PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Deshea Townsend missed practice for a third consecutive day Friday due to a bruised heel and is not expected to play Sunday night in Cleveland.
Townsend is listed as doubtful, but Steelers almost never play unless they take part in at least one practice.
Bryant McFadden, whose last start came in 2006, would get the nod if Townsend is out. McFadden started nine games in 2006, including the final eight.
Townsend, in his 11th year, started all 16 Steelers regular-season games last season. He is the team's most experienced defensive player, starting since the second half of the 2003 season.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger practiced for the second day in a row Friday and is listed as probable. He did not practice Wednesday because of a sore right shoulder.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press
