Maddox

Tommy Maddox will likely return to the sidelines, but Steelers fans shouldn't expect much else.

Steelers coach Bill Cowher said the quarterback will be in uniform Sunday vs. the Bengals, but under no circumstances will Maddox play, ESPN.com's John Clayton reported Friday.

Charlie Batch will back up starter Kordell Stewart, while Antwaan Randle-El will serve as the emergency quarterback.

"It's fun to be back doing a little bit at a time,'' Maddox said. "Suiting up and going through all the normal things you go through in a week. I don't know if it's necessary, but it's important.''

Maddox was hit by Titans linebacker Keith Bulluck that caused him to lose consciousness and his head to twist into the Tennessee turf, his arms and legs instantly going numb.

He remembers none of it -- his face mask being cut off, both teams praying for him, the ride in the ambulance -- until waking up in Nashville's Baptist Hospital and realizing he couldn't move anything.

"That's when it started bothering me a little bit,'' he said. "It's hard. You think about your kids, your wife. ... I just thank God it's worked out the way it worked out.''

Maddox, who has made what doctors said was a remarkably quick recovery from his cerebral and spinal cord concussions, said there never was any question he would play again after doctors told him everything was fine.

Maddox finally found a starting job and success in Pittsburgh this season after spending most of 10 years being labeled as a football failure.

"I've said all along the struggles have made me stronger and I think this will make me stronger,'' he said. "I really try not to ask why. I know things will work out. I'm excited about the future and I'm excited about being out on the field again.''

Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.