Associated Press

The NFL notebook ...

PITTSBURGH — Steelers running back Willie Parker will return to practice Wednesday, and coach Mike Tomlin is optimistic Parker will play Sunday against the San Diego Chargers.

Parker has played only once since spraining his knee Sept. 21 in Philadelphia, running for 70 yards in a Monday night win over the Washington Redskins on Nov. 3 in which he dislocated his shoulder.

"The shoulder popped out briefly during the course of the Redskins game and it popped back into place," Tomlin said, denying reports that Parker had a torn labrum.

COLBERT CUT

RENTON, Wash. — Wide receiver Keary Colbert was released by the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday following a disappointing stint with the team.

Colbert came to Seattle in a trade with Denver on Sept. 17. In addition to the Broncos, Colbert previously played for Carolina.

BRONCOS

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Maybe a blast from the past can help the Denver Broncos' current conundrum in their battered backfield.

Down to rookie fullback Peyton Hillis as their primary ballcarrier following injuries to all four of their tailbacks, the Broncos signed free agent Tatum Bell on Tuesday, bringing back a player they drafted in the second round out of Oklahoma State in 2004.

RAVENS

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens placed cornerback Chris McAlister and strong safety Dawan Landry on injured reserve, ending their seasons.

REDSKINS

WASHINGTON — In a group interview with reporters the other day, newly-accquired defensive back DeAngelo Hall said he knows Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens "real well."

He was referring to an incident in 2006 when he played for the Atlanta Falcons. Owens spat in Hall's face during a Cowboys-Falcons game and was fined $35,000 by the NFL.

- With top wide receiver Santana Moss slowed by a hamstring injury, the Redskins have expressed hope rookie wideouts Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly could make significant contributions in the final seven games.

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