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Heath Miller Expected To Return Against Carolina

PITTSBURGH (KDKA/AP) - After missing two games for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Heath Miller is expected to start on Thursday against the Carolina Panthers.

Millers' replacement, Matt Spaeth, had four receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown in the two games he started.

Miller suffered a concussion against the Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 5. He passed all post-concussion tests and was expected to return against the New York Jets, but was not cleared after developing headaches.

Miller was hit in the head by Ravens' linebacker Jameel McClain. McClain was not suspended for the hit, but was fined $40,000 by the NFL.

With a shortened week because of the Thursday night game against the Panthers, the Steelers will only practice once this week.

The single practice day will allow for other Steelers players to heal from their injuries; including Troy Polamalu (Achilles) and DE Aaron Smith (torn tricep) who has not played since Oct. 24. Smith is being fitted with a shoulder brace and his status remains uncertain for Thursday.

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