PITTSBURGH -- Head coach Mike Tomlin gave an update Tuesday on the Steelers' injury report -- a list that looks to be getting shorter with key players eyeing a return to the field this Sunday following a bye week.

"We're getting pretty healthy," Tomlin said.

Running back Willie Parker, who has been out of action since suffering a knee sprain during a 15-6 loss to Philadelphia on Sept. 21, practiced with the team on Monday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

"Willie's just going to get better with confidence as we push forward," Tomlin said. "He's not 100 percent (when he moves laterally), but he looked pretty good."

Kicker Jeff Reed (strained calf) and nose tackle Casey Hampton (groin) are also listed as questionable.

Tomlin described Reed's condition as improving. He said, "Jeff had better go. I don't want to think about Jeff not going."

Hampton, who did some running drills, but did not practice in pads on Monday, will be examined later in the week.

Starting defensive end Brett Keisel, who has been out with a strained calf since a Sept. 14 game against Cleveland, is expected to return to the Steelers' lineup on Sunday.

Starting offensive tackle Marvel Smith (back spasms) did not practice on Monday and will be evaluated later in the week, Tomlin said.

Wide receiver Dallas Baker (shoulder), fullback Carey Davis (ankle) and linebacker Keyaron Fox (hamstring) are out for Sunday's game against the Bengals.

Baker's injury could result in the first meaningful playing time for rookie wide receiver Limas Sweed, a second-round pick who hasn't been able to beat out Baker and fellow backup Nate Washington.

"He just needs to have consistency in route running, catching the football and assignments," Tomlin said. "It's that simple. He has improved and, really, he's been on the brink of deserving an opportunity."

---

Related Links:

• More County News
• Add Us To Your iGoogle Or My Yahoo Page
• Download Our Free Desktop Alert For Breaking News

---