Steelers injury report: James Harrison, Troy Polamalu did not practice Wednesday

The Steelers were without a few big-named players at practice on Wednesday while some other big-named players returned to the field today in Dallas.

Chargers vs. Steelers: In Ike Taylor's absence, cornerbacks struggle

Absence of veteran cornerback killed Steelers in third-down situations.

Chargers vs. Steelers reaction: Pittsburgh cornerbacks, wide receivers have bad game

The Steelers really struggled in Week 14 as Ben Roethlisberger made his return to the field.

NFL Playoff picture: Steelers still have inside track to Wild Card, despite loss

The Steelers couldn't get the job done Sunday, but they're still in line for the last Wild Card spot.

Chargers vs. Steelers score update: Pittsburgh trails, 27-10, after three quarters

The Pittsburgh Steelers trail the San Diego Chargers, 27-10, after three quarters at Heinz Field.

The Chargers added to their 10-point halftime lead when Phillip Rivers lobbed a short touchdown pass to Malcom Floyd, putting the Chargers ahead 20-3.

Things got worse for the Steelers when San Diego scored again in less than 12 seconds. Backed up in their own territory, Ben Roethlisberger threw a pass that hit a lineman and was recovered in the end zone by Quentin Jammer. The play was reviewed to see if it had gone forward, but the call was upheld as a lateral.

Pittsburgh answered with their first touchdown of the game with 2:40 left in the third quarter. Roethlisberger and Mike Wallace connected for a 40-yard touchdown, drawing the Steelers within 27-10.

In his first game back from injury, Roethlisberger is 12 of 24 passing for 157 yards.

Rivers has completed 18 of 37 passing attempts for 167 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Chargers vs. Steelers score update: Offense struggling as Pittsburgh trails, 13-3, at half

The Pittsburgh Steelers scored their first points of the game on a field goal by Shaun Suisham as time expired in the first half. The Steelers have gained 123 yards in Ben Roethlisberger's return from injury and trail San Diego, 13-3, at halftime.

Chargers vs. Steelers score: San Diego up after sluggish 1st quarter for Steelers

After the first quarter, the Steelers trail the San Diego Chargers, 3-0.

Ben Roethlisberger, returning from three weeks on the shelf, got a big ovation as he was introduced. The first series, though, didn't go that well for him -- he completed a quick pass to Mike Wallace for a first down, but then underthrew his next two passes before the Steelers had to punt. Fortunately, the Steelers put plenty of pressure on Philip Rivers on the Chargers' opening drive, and the Steelers quickly got the ball back.

The two teams continued trading punts after that, until the Chargers mounted a drive keyed by two penalties against the Steelers. Nick Novak then floated in a 51-yard field goal -- that's not easy to do in Heinz Field, but Novak pulled it off.

It looked like the Steelers' offense would continue to struggle in the ensuing drive, until Plaxico Burress made a great catch for a first down, his first catch since returning to the Steelers. The Steelers were driving at the first quarter came to an end.

NFL Playoff scenarios: What to watch for in AFC picture in Week 14

The Steelers host the Chargers at 1:00 on Sunday in a game they'll really want to win in order to maintain their advantage on the Bengals for the last remaining AFC playoff spot. But the season is far from over, so here's what to watch out for in the AFC this week.

Here are the playoff standings:

1. Texans (11-1)
2. Broncos (10-3)
3. Ravens (9-3)
4. Patriots (9-3)
5. Colts (8-4)
6. Steelers (7-5)

7. Bengals (7-5)

The next-closest teams are the Jets, Bills and Dolphins, all at 5-7; it would take a miracle for those teams to make it.

The Texans, Broncos and Patriots have all clinched playoff spots.

The Bengals host the Cowboys at 1:00 in a game the Bengals will be dying to win. They've already lost to the Ravens and Steelers and have three losses in the AFC North, so winning a tiebreaker will be tough for them. The Bengals and Steelers will play in Pittsburgh December 23.

The Colts will look to strengthen their hold on the top Wild Card spot with a victory over the Titans at 1:00.

The Ravens would clinch the AFC North with a win in Washington (also at 1:00).

Finally, on Monday night, the Texans face the Patriots. Both teams have already clinched playoff berths, but that game will help determine who gets a first-round bye and home-field advantage.

Chargers vs. Steelers: Game time, TV schedule, injury updates and more

The Steelers look to keep their hold on the final AFC playoff spot against San Diego in Week 14.