PRO FOOTBALL / PLAYOFF REPORT : AFC : Kelly Probably Will Stay on Bench

Injured quarterback Jim Kelly probably won’t play during Saturday’s divisional playoff game against the Steelers at Pittsburgh, Coach Marv Levy said Monday.

Kelly sat out Sunday’s game as Frank Reich led the Bills to a 41-38 victory over the Houston Oilers.

Levy said that running back Thurman Thomas, the NFL’s combined yardage leader the last four seasons, probably will play despite a hip pointer he suffered against the Oilers. Linebacker Cornelius Bennett, who sat out the Oiles game because of a hamstring injury, also has improved, Levy said.

Neil O’Donnell will start at quarterback for the Steelers when they play their first playoff game at Three Rivers Stadium in 10 years.

O’Donnell started the Steelers’ first 10 games but has been injured much of the last two months, suffering a broken leg Dec. 6. Bubby Brister played his best game in three seasons as the Steelers secured home-field advantage throughout the playoffs by beating Cleveland, 23-13, Dec. 27.