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Anthony Smith said he did not guarantee that the Steelers would beat the New England Patriots Sunday despite a newspaper report that claimed otherwise.

"I just said if we go out and play how we've been playing and eliminate the big plays we've got a pretty good chance of winning, and they turned it into I guaranteed a win," Smith said. "It wasn't a guarantee."

Smith guaranteed the Steelers would beat the unbeaten Patriots last season, and he got victimized on several long plays in New England's 34-13 win.

The Steelers will try to avenge that loss, their worst under second-year coach Mike Tomlin, though they may have to beat the Patriots without starting running back Willie Parker.

Parker (knee) did not practice Wednesday and is questionable for Sunday's 4:15 p.m. game. Najeh Davenport was at the Steelers' practice facility yesterday, and the Steelers may re-sign him if Parker is unable to play against the Patriots.

In addition to Parker, offensive tackle Marvel Smith (back) and defensive end Brett Keisel (knee) did not practice yesterday. Defensive tackle Richard Seymour (knee) did not practice for New England.

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