Steelers QB Roethlisberger practices fully

Dec 5, 2008 - 1:02 AM PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger participated in a full practice on Thursday, one day after leaving early with a knee injury.

Roethlisberger left Wednesday's session midway through when he tweaked his right knee after slipping in the mud while throwing a pass. Backup Byron Leftwich took over for the final 20 minutes of practice.

Roethlisberger, who has been playing through a shoulder injury, said Wednesday that he does not think his knee is seriously hurt and he should be fine for Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys (8-4).

There was some bad news for the Steelers (9-3), though, as All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu missed a second straight practice with a calf injury. Polamalu is the heart-and-soul of Pittsburgh's top-rank defense and leads the NFL with six interceptions.