Pittsburgh, Staley hold off Eagles

PHILADELPHIA — Duce Staley ran into the end zone, went straight to the stands and handed the football to young boy wearing a Donovan McNabb jersey.

Just one problem: Staley plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers now.

Staley ran for 37 yards and one touchdown in limited action against his former team, leading the Steelers to a 27-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in a preseason game Thursday night.

Reserve Willie Parker ran for 106 yards and one TD and Dante Brown also had a TD run for the Steelers.

Reno Mahe ran for a score and L.J. Smith and Greg Lewis had TD catches for the Eagles, who lost two more starters — linebacker Nate Wayne and left guard Jermane Mayberry — to injuries.

A three-time 1,000-yard rusher in seven seasons in Philadelphia, Staley showed the Eagles what they're missing. He ran six times for 33 yards on the opening drive.

Philadelphia didn't make a strong push to retain Staley, a fan favorite who again heard the familiar chants of "Duuuuce!" each time he touched the ball. But the Eagles could use him now after losing Correll Buckhalter to a season-ending knee injury last week.

After Jeff Blake connected with Lewis on a 14-yard TD pass to give the Eagles a 21-17 lead, the Steelers went ahead on Parker's 3-yard TD run early in the fourth quarter.

An undrafted rookie from North Carolina, Parker perhaps earned himself a roster spot with his performance. Ben Roethlisberger, the No. 11 pick in this year's NFL draft, was sacked on his first play and finished 7-of-11 for 74 yards and one interception. Starter Tommy Maddox was 4-of-6 for 53 yards.

Terrell Owens, the Eagles' biggest offseason acquisition, didn't have a catch. His 41-yard TD reception in the first quarter was negated by a holding penalty on Tra Thomas. He later dropped a pass that hit him in the chest.

McNabb was 8-of-19 for 105 yards and one TD. Blake was 6-of-7 for 63 yards and one TD.

Wayne and Mayberry left with hamstring injuries in the first quarter. It wasn't immediately known how long they'd be out. The Eagles already are without Buckhalter and defensive end N.D. Kalu for the season, and have several other key players on the sidelines.

The Steelers took a 17-7 lead in the second quarter on Brown's 1-yard TD run. McNabb connected with Smith on an 11-yard TD pass to cut the deficit to 17-14.

Mahe, getting an extended look, ran in from the 2 to tie it at 7. Mahe finished with 49 yards, including a 33-yard run, on 10 carries.