AFC North
ESPN.com's James Walker writes about all things AFC North in his division blog.
•Blog network: NFL Nation
Parker is listed as questionable; Steelers players who practice on the Friday before games usually play.
Parker, a three-time 1,000-yard rusher, recently missed five games in a six-game span with knee and shoulder injuries. He played in the last two games, but was pulled when the knee flared up after he gained 37 yards on 14 carries against Cincinnati on Nov. 20.
Also taking part in a full practice were cornerbacks Bryant McFadden (broken forearm) and Deshea Townsend (hamstring). McFadden missed the last five games and Townsend the last two.
The Steelers were hopeful that the two veteran cornerbacks would return against the Patriots (7-4) and Matt Cassel, who has thrown for 400-plus yards in his last two games. Pittsburgh (8-3) leads Baltimore (7-4) by one game in the AFC North.
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A preview of the Week 13 matchup between the Steelers and the Patriots.
As expected, defensive end Brett Keisel (knee) and left tackle Marvel Smith (back) were ruled out. Keisel is expected to miss two more games, and Smith hasn't played in six games.
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