Steelers vs Panthers Game Notes

Pittsburgh (2-1) @ Carolina (0-3)

Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009 • 8 p.m. (ET) Bank of America Stadium • Charlotte, N.C.

Pittsburgh is 6-4 all-time in the preseason versus the Carolina Panthers, including a 3-2 record in Carolina. The Steelers have won two straight preseason games against the Panthers, and defeated the Panthers, 19-16, at Heinz Field last preseason.

Starters to play to a series or two

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will start for the Steelers and play a series or two. Roethlisberger played the entire first half against the Buffalo Bills, and finished 15-for-19 for 168 yards (103.5 passer rating).

Willie Parker (hamstring) will miss his third game of the preseason. 2nd year running back Rashard Mendenhall will start at running back.

Santonio Holmes (back) will miss his second consecutive game. Holmes will be replaced Limas Sweed in the starting lineup.

Dennis Dixon (shoulder) remains sidelined. Dixon is hopeful to practice next week. Tight end Sean McHugh is recovering from arthoscopic knee surgery.

Lawrence Timmons (ankle) will be replaced by Keyaron Fox in the starting lineup. His status for the season opener is up in the air.

Key Performers against Buffalo

RB Rashard Mendenhall

• Rushed 16 times for 48 yards (3.0 avg.) with one touchdown.

QB Ben Roethlisberger

• Went 15-for-19 for 168 yards (103.5 passer rating).

QB Charlie Batch

• 7-for-9 for 79 yards (103.2 passer rating).

WR Hines Ward

• five catches for 74 yards (14.8 avg.).

KR/WR Stefan Logan

• Had four punt returns for 63 yards (15.8 avg.), including a 27 yard return in the 4th quarter.

LB James Farrior

• Had 22 yard interception return for touchdown. Finished game with four tackles (three solo) with one sack, one forced fumble and one interception.

WR Limas Sweed

• Had four catches for 34 yards, including a long of 16 yard reception.

Roster Cuts

The Steelers will have to make 22 roster cuts by 6:00 p.m., Saturday.

Key Players on the Bubble

*WR Shaun McDonald

*CB Keiwan Ratliff

*LB Bruce Davis

*FB Frank Summers

*TE David Johnson

*LB Patrick Bailey

*OT Jeremy Parquet

*OT Jason Capizzi

*DE Travis Kirschke

*S Ryan Mundy

*S Roy Lewis