Steelers’ Staley expected to play

PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh Steelers running back Duce Staley has been upgraded from questionable to probable after practicing all week, and is expected to play today against the New England Patriots.

Staley has not played since the Steelers’ 41-27 loss to New England in the AFC championship game in January. He practiced only the first day of training camp before needing knee surgery Aug. 8, and practiced little until last week.

Staley will back Willie Parker, a third-team running back a year ago who is second in the NFL in rushing with 272 yards in two games.