Steelers Get Big Ben Back, Cowboys Still Waiting on Marion Barber

A day after Ben Roethlisberger gave Steelers fans a scare by tweaking his knee, he practiced on Thursday and showed no real ill effects.

"We won't change anything and I just think it will get better as the week goes on," offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said of Roethlisberger's knee. "Once the adrenaline kicks in I would doubt there's anything there."

The news isn't as good for the Cowboys in a game that is nearly a must-win for the boys in blue. Marion Barber has not practiced all week with a dislocated toe, and he's looking increasingly doubful. If Barber can't play, the Cowboys will have to rely on rookie Tashard Choice and practice squad refugee Alonzo Coleman (if the call up Coleman). Barring a change of mind from Jerry Jones, the Cowboys could go into Sunday's game with two healthy tailbacks. Choice played well against the Seahawks in Barber's absence, but if Barber can't play, that would definitely make the Steelers' defense's life a little easier.

The Cowboys did get some good news as linebacker DeMarcus Ware returned to practice for the first time since he hyperextended his knee against the Seahawks. And hey, the Cowboys will also get Pacman Jones back. And Jones can thank Plaxico Burress for distracting the media from his return.