Roethlisberger Back at Practice

Ben Roethlisberger ran the Pittsburgh Steeler offense in practice for the first time in nearly a month Wednesday after sitting out three consecutive games and four of six because of knee injuries. He still has pain after needing right knee surgery Nov. 3, but not nearly as much as in past weeks.

“It feels like an eternity since I’ve been out there,” Roethlisberger said.

The Steelers (7-3) face Indianapolis (10-0) on Monday night.

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New York Jet owner Woody Johnson said Coach Herman Edwards wasn’t leaving the team. Johnson addressed the situation following an embarrassing week of rampant speculation that had Edwards leaving for Kansas City should Dick Vermeil retire when the season ends.... Warren Sapp is listed as doubtful to play for the Oakland Raiders in Sunday’s game against Miami because of a shoulder injury.... Cornerback Phillip Buchanon’s disappointing first season with the Houston Texans ended when he was put on the injured reserve list because of a high ankle sprain.... Buffalo quarterback J.P. Losman will start his second straight game when the Bills host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Losman completed 20 of 36 passes for 168 yards with one touchdown and one interception in a 48-10 loss to San Diego.

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TODAY’S MATCHUPS

* Atlanta (6-4) at Detroit (4-6), 9:30 a.m., Channel 11 -- The Lions are 33-30-2 in their traditional Thanksgiving game, which includes wins in 10 of their last 16. This will be the Falcons’ first Thanksgiving game. In October 2004, Detroit sacked Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick six times, forced four turnovers, and won, 17-10. Vick, who leads the league’s quarterbacks in rushing with 337 yards, is coming off a game in which he threw for 306 yards.

* Denver (8-2) at Dallas (7-3), 1:15 p.m., Channel 2 -- The AFC West leader versus the co-leader of the NFC East. Dallas has been tougher than Detroit on Thanksgiving Day, going 23-13-1. Denver has a 2-6 Thanksgiving record. In the Broncos’ last appearance on this holiday, they beat the Cowboys, 26-24, in 2001. Denver’s Jake Plummer has thrown 219 passes without an interception, a team record. Cowboy quarterback Drew Bledsoe has eight touchdowns and only one interception in his last four games against the Broncos.

-- STEVE SPRINGER