CANTON, Ohio — Former Broncos running back Floyd Little and Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau are finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The hall's seniors committee yesterday chose the 67-year-old Little, who gained more than 12,000 total yards in the NFL, and the 71-year-old LeBeau, a star defensive back before becoming a coach.

They will join 15 modern-era candidates on the complete list of finalists for the 2010 class, which will be voted on Feb. 6 at the Super Bowl in Miami.

Little was chosen for five Pro Bowls, rushing for 6,323 yards and 43 touchdowns, making 215 receptions for 2,418 yards and nine TDs. When he retired in 1975, Little ranked seventh in career rushing.

He also was one of the league's best kick returners, leading the AFL in punt returns as a rookie in 1967.

LeBeau played for 14 years for Detroit and has been a coach for 37. LeBeau intercepted 62 passes, which ranks seventh all-time.

As Pittsburgh's defensive coordinator, LeBeau has won two Super Bowls in the last four seasons.

"I can't imagine there has ever been a person who has been at that level as a player and as a coach," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. "There have been great players who were OK coaches and vice versa, but this is someone who was a great player and then one of the most influential defensive coaches of all time."

Still, because the Hall of Fame requires a candidate to be retired five years before he can be voted in and LeBeau still is coaching, he is being considered as a player.

STEELERS

ROETHLISBERGER BACK, WILL PLAY AGAINST BILLS

Ben Roethlisberger is back on his feet again. Both of them.

The Steelers quarterback practiced yesterday for the first time since injuring his right foot during the team's final training camp practice, and coach Mike Tomlin said he will play in Saturday night's exhibition game against Buffalo.

"He won't be limited in any form or fashion," Tomlin said.

The Steelers starters are expected to play about a half against Buffalo, their most extensive playing time before the Sept. 10 season opener against Tennessee.

Roethlisberger sat out last Saturday's preseason game against Washington, two days after left tackle Max Starks accidentally stepped on the quarterback's right foot minutes before the Steelers ended training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe.

BRONCOS

RECEIVER MARSHALL MIGHT PLAY SUNDAY

Brandon Marshall may be back in the mix offensively at practice, but it remains unclear whether Denver's disgruntled wideout will make his preseason debut in Sunday's game against Chicago.

Denver coach Josh McDaniels said Marshall was fully involved in yesterday's practice, which was closed to the media and cut short because of bad weather.

CHARGERS

LB MERRIMAN SAYS HE'S 'STILL PROGRESSING'

San Diego outside linebacker Shawne Merriman isn't in top form with less than three weeks to go before the regular season — and he's not worried about it.

"I'm still progressing," said Merriman, who didn't participate in the final two-a-day practices yesterday. "When I'll be 100 percent is when I feel like I'll be able to go out there and do everything without thinking about it."

RAIDERS

DT COHEN SIGNS; CB HORTON WAIVED

Oakland claimed defensive tackle Joe Cohen off waivers from Miami and waived cornerback Jason Horton.

Cohen was signed yesterday, one day after being waived by the Dolphins. Horton has been slowed by turf toe recently and was officially waived injured.

SEAHAWKS

VETERAN RB JAMES SIGNS ONE-YEAR DEAL

Edgerrin James is Seattle's latest aging star running back, less than a year and half after Shaun Alexander was unceremoniously booted out of town.

The league's leading active rusher signed a one-year contract with the Seahawks last night. Earlier in the evening, Seattle waived fellow veteran running back T.J. Duckett to clear roster space.