Cordell Stewart Rebounds from Knee Injury

Stewart was hit by Regan Upshaw and Darrell Russell of the Raiders while throwing an incomplete pass on the Steelers' second drive of the game.

Stewart stayed in for the rest of the series, taking at least one more hard hit to the knee on a pass intended for Hines Ward, but was removed after being examined by team physicians.

The Steelers said he was not expected to return, but Stewart started the second half with Oakland leading 17-7 and led a 91-yard drive that ended with his 6-yard touchdown pass to Mark Bruener.

Stewart later ran 17 yards to score on a quarterback draw for what proved the winning touchdown.

After the game, Stewart - apparently concerned opponents might target his knee - insisted he hurt his calf. But he later made several references to his injured knee, and coach Bill Cowher said the injury was a sprained right knee ligament.

``As far as my mobility, everything was fine once I got everything wrapped up,' Stewart said. ``I was more nervous than anything. I just wanted to be careful. The trainers did a good job of making sure everything was stable.'

Stewart finished 14-of-23 for 136 yards and two touchdowns, plus the touchdown run. He has five touchdown passes and four touchdown runs in his last 21/2 games.

Stewart was the ninth opposing quarterback in 13 games to be knocked out of a game by the Raiders or to be injured severely enough to miss his team's next game.