(My Sportsbook) - The AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers will go back to the future this Sunday when they start Kordell Stewart against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium.

Stewart, who had been the franchise's starting quarterback for the past five years, was yanked from that position early this season because of poor play. Upstart QB Tommy Maddox took the helm and led the team's resurgence, making many forget about Stewart.

However, with Maddox sidelined due to a spinal contusion suffered in last week's 31-23 loss to Tennessee, Stewart will re- gain his spot and get second lease on life. The Colorado product has mixed emotions about how his second chance has come to fruition.

"I never wished it to happen," said Stewart. "But just based on how well we were playing, I figured in order for me to have the opportunity, it would take something crazy to happen and it just so happened that way. Tommy was playing very well."

The good news for the Steelers is that Maddox was released from the hospital early in the week and should return to full strength in a matter of days. His playing status for the rest of the campaign is still up in the air.

"It's a relief, considering how it looked on the field when it happened initially," said Stewart. "I'll just be happy when I see him walking around here with a smile he always has on his face."

Despite wondering about Maddox's status, Stewart was able to step in and do a nice job in the final quarter against the Titans. He looked sharp, completing 13-of-17 passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns. Cowher believes his high level of performance could be chalked up to his good attitude during his benching.

"I think you sensed it all along. He has been very supportive of Tommy Maddox. He has prepared himself every week. You can see, even on the practice field, his focus," said Cowher. "What he did the other day was good to see and it was great for his confidence. But, did it surprise you?

"No, because he had been preparing. He has handled this thing like a true professional. He has not always liked to sit on the sidelines based on where he has been, but he has been very supportive and very unselfish."

Stewart's heroics weren't enough to dig his team out of its 31-7 hole against the Titans, but it may have been a sign of good things to come. However, Stewart knows that the situation he's stepping into isn't an ideal one.

"The situation is not an easy one to sit here and digest now," said Stewart. "We've had high expectations coming into this season. To be 5-4-1 is hard, but we still have an opportunity. We're still here in our division. We have to look forward. We can't look back."

Some good news for the Steelers is that they finally have a full complement of running backs. With Jerome Bettis fully healthy, the question becomes whether or not he returns to the starting lineup.

"I would like to see how they get through the week. If they both go through the week well, we may go back with Jerome starting and coming back in with Amos [Zereoue]. We will see how we work through the week," said Cowher.

The running game was nearly non-existent against the Titans, posting a total of 45 yards on 15 attempts. Look for the Steelers to return to a run-based offense this week, giving the Bengals a large dose of Bettis.

Pittsburgh has no shortage of receiving weapons in WRs Hines Ward and Burress either. Ward exploded against the Titans, snagging 10 balls for 168 yards and two touchdowns. Stewart has a tendency to look Ward's way and that should give him another big day this week.

COMING UP: The Steelers hit the road to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday.