Twenty-four hours after assuring the world that he would be able to shadow the Bengals best receiver, the Steelers best available cornerback shadowed only the sidelines during practice.

The Steelers much-maligned secondary has suffered from unexpected injuries and inexperienced reserves recently, but have reason for hope as they try to salvage their playoff dreams.

DeMarcus Van Dyke (shoulder) and Keenan Lewis (hip) highlight yet another injury-filled game for struggling Pittsburgh.

The bitter cold in Pittsburgh is normally an ally in winter as the Steelers make their final push to the playoffs every year; but in week 15, another kind is plaguing the city's south side.

Steelers starting CB Cortez Allen missed his second straight practice, bringing into question whether he'll be ready to go Sunday when the Steelers take on the Dallas Cowboys. Curtis Brown would start in his native Texas if Allen cannot play.

As the Steelers starting left outside linebacker was able to fully participate in practice for the first time in several weeks, eight other players sat out while dealing with their own injuries.

Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant is getting a second opinion on whether his fractured left index finger needs immediate surgery. DeMarcus Ware missed practice with an elbow injury.

Steelers first round pick goes 14 games into rookie season before seeing the field, will start at right guard as Ramon Foster shifts to left guard in wake of Willie Colon's injury.

As if the ramifications of Sunday's loss against the San Diego Chargers weren't enough for the Steelers to deal with, the team now may have an even bigger problem to deal with.

Steelers left guard Willie Colon had surgery on his injured left knee on Monday, and has been ruled out for the Steelers' Week 15 game against Dallas. He may not return this season, but has not yet been placed on injured reserve.