"When the Steelers play Buffalo on Saturday, they will be missing two key offensive starters.

Wide receiver Santonio Holmes, pictured, and running back Willie Parker won't play because they have missed practice all week. Holmes took a helmet to the back in last week's preseason game in Washington. Parker came out of the 17-13 loss to the Redskins with an injured hamstring.

It's expected that second-year pro Limas Sweed will start in place of Holmes. Rashard Mendenhall is expected to start in place of Parker, who missed the first preseason game due to back spasms.

Also sitting out Saturday's game will be guard/center Darnell Stapleton, who's still recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery; rookie running back Frank "The Tank" Summers, who's been bothered with a hamstring injury; and third-team quarterback Dennis Dixon, who separated his shoulder in Washington.

There's also a chance the Steelers will be without kicker Jeff Reed, whose foot is bothering him after he stepped in a hole last week on a practice field at St. Vincent College in Latrobe. In the event Reed doesn't play, the kicking chores will be handled by backup Piotr Czech."