by Sports Xchange

PLAYER NOTES

--OT Tyler Polumbus is in line to make his first NFL start this week. He was undrafted out of Colorado but is a big, physical player who held his own in pass protection after replacing Ryan Harris.

--LB Robert Ayers is still looking for his first NFL sack. He has had a couple tackles for loss in recent weeks and the coaching staff is happy with the rookie's progress.

--S Renaldo Hill has been a solid player for the Broncos' defense. He is rarely out of position and is a solid tackler. He is fifth on the Broncos with 30 tackles.

--LB Wesley Woodyard plays only in passing situations, but is still ninth on the Broncos with 16 tackles. Woodyard played well when pressed into duty last year, and has made a nice transition to playing inside in the Broncos' 3-4 scheme.

--RB LaMont Jordan was inactive for last week's game. Jordan's role has decreased since he was the early season "closer." Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter got all the running back carries last week against Baltimore.

GAME PLAN: Because the Steelers are similar in many ways to the Ravens, the Broncos will have to change a few things up this week. They have to protect Kyle Orton better, and try to stretch the field - a couple of things they did not do well last week. Running the ball isn't much of an option against Pittsburgh's top-ranked rush defense, but the Broncos will need to keep the Steelers honest.

When the Steelers have the ball, the Broncos have a lot to deal with. Ben Roethlisberger is having a fantastic season, with dangerous receivers all over the field. Although Pittsburgh has developed into a passing team, Rashard Mendenhall is also playing well at running back and gives the Steelers some versatility on offense. The Broncos' front seven has a huge job in front of it, trying to bring down Roethlisberger when it gets pressure and slowing down Mendenhall and the rushing attack.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Steelers OLB James Harrison vs. Broncos LT Ryan Clady. Harrison and Clady are two elite players at their position, and will be one of the best matchups on the field. Harrison is a power rusher, which shouldn't bother the massive Clady. Clady has not been as dominant as he was last year, but he is still one of the best left tackles in the NFL.

--Steelers NT Casey Hampton vs. Broncos C Casey Wiegmann. This battle of Pro Bowlers will determine if the Broncos can run the ball inside. Wiegmann is strong and can handle big nose tackles - his work against Jets nose tackle Kris Jenkins last year was a big reason he was in the Pro Bowl - and he'll have his hands full with Hampton.

--Broncos OLB Elvis Dumervil vs. Steelers LT Max Starks. Starks is getting praise for a good start to this season, but stopping Dumervil will be a challenge. Dumervil is nine inches shorter than Starks, which will be awkward for Starks and could get him leaning forward to lock up the quick Dumervil, who has 10 sacks.

INJURY IMPACT: RT Ryan Harris (toe) is out this week, and his status past that is up in the air. Tyler Polumbus is his likely replacement.

--DE Ryan McBean missed Thursday's practice with a knee injury and could miss Monday's game. McBean has started every game this season for Denver.

--S David Bruton returned to a limited practice after missing Wednesday with a groin injury. If Bruton can play he will help Denver's special teams, which have struggled in recent weeks.

--CB Jack Williams missed Wednesday's practice with an illness, but returned to a limited practice Thursday. He is likely to play on Monday.

--S Josh Barrett was out of practice Thursday with a hamstring injury, apparently suffered Wednesday. Barrett will likely have to show he can practice before Monday night if he is going to be active for the game against Pittsburgh.