"Strong safety Troy Polamalu and running back Willie Parker are scheduled to practice today. Both are on track to play Sunday barring any setbacks this week. Polamalu has missed the past four games because of a sprained knee, and turf toe has sidelined Parker for the past two Steelers' games.

"It will be interesting to see how they respond Thursday after having a day's work," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said.

Among the Steelers players who will be limited in practice today because of injuries are right guard Trai Essex (ankle), defensive end Travis Kirschke (back) and linebacker Andre Frazier (thigh).

• Tomlin said it is too early to tell how the Steelers will use Rashard Mendenhall and Parker if the latter is able to play against the Browns. Mendenhall has emerged in Parker's absence, rushing for 242 yards and three touchdowns in the Steelers' past two games.

"I think the most important thing in that discussion right now is Willie's availability and the level of his availability," Tomlin said.

• Tomlin said he hasn't decided whether Limas Sweed or Shaun McDonald will serve as the Steelers' No. 4 wide receiver against the Browns.

"It's really going to be week-to-week as we proceed with those two from here on out," Tomlin said.

The two, who have just one catch between them this season, have alternated as the fourth wideout in the Steelers' past two games. Sweed, Tomlin, said is a more valuable special teams player.

"But we also acknowledge that Shaun McDonald's a guy that's capable of separating at break points, getting open, and moving chains," Tomlin said."