"The last few weeks I've played through quite a bit of pain, and it's all been worth it to get to this point," Heap said. "It's been progressively getting better, which is good, and I'll be ready to go again this week."

RYAN IN DEMAND: Defensive coordinator Rex Ryan can accept a head-coaching offer as soon as the Ravens' season is over.

He's regarded as the frontrunner for the New York Jets' vacancy and is also considered a strong candidate for the St. Louis Rams' opening. However, Ryan is hoping that it will be at least a few more weeks before he's possibly entertaining a formal offer after interviewing with the Jets and Rams last Sunday.

"I'm excited about the interviews and things like that, but again, I'm excited about coaching right now," Ryan said. "Hopefully, if the thing goes on, if there is another day to interview or whatever next week, that would be great. But I just want to get to a Super Bowl and help coach this team."

TRAINING ROOM: Outside linebacker Jarret Johnson (calf) and fullback Le'Ron McClain (ankle) returned to practice on a limited basis.

"The ankle is doing good," McClain said. "I got a little bit more work today, so I'll see how it feels in the morning."

Linebacker Terrell Suggs (right shoulder strain), defensive tackle Justin Bannan (foot), wide receiver Mark Clayton (thigh), cornerback Samari Rolle (groin/hamstring) and wide receiver Derrick Mason (knee/dislocated left shoulder) didn't practice for the second consecutive day.

There's growing concern that Rolle may miss this game.

When asked how big a loss it would be if Rolle is out, free safety Ed Reed replied: "Huge. From experience, to knowing the game plan, to making plays, we definitely will miss Samari. That's also one thing that's been huge this year, that guys step up. We expect them to attack guys that haven't been in there. I would if I was playing against it. If it happens, but that's why other guys get paid."

Heap (back), Reed (knee/nerve impingement), middle linebacker Ray Lewis (shoulder) and fullback Lorenzo Neal (shoulder) were limited.

Meanwhile, Steelers safety Troy Polamalu was upgraded to full participation in practice with a calf strain. Center Justin Hartwig (ankle) worked out on a limited basis after missing practice Wednesday.

CHANGE OF PLANS: Following wins over the Miami Dolphins and Titans, the Ravens were greeted by hundreds of enthusiastic fans at BWI Airport and their training complex.

Because of safety issues and a request by airport authorities and Baltimore County police, the team will now board buses on the tarmac Sunday before heading to Owings Mills Mall instead of going through the airport terminal after its private charter flight touches down.

The mall is nearly a mile from team headquarters and team officials requested that fans gather outside of Boscov's, which will serve as a welcoming area for the team.

The buses are expected to arrive at the mall between 12:30 and 1 a.m. Fans will not be allowed to gather at the Ravens' offices.

QUICK HITS : With so much attention being paid to the impending free agent status of Lewis, Bart Scott and Suggs, there has been little discussion about the fact that center Jason Brown is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the season. "My stock with the Ravens, the best way that I can keep my stock up, is playing well out there on the football field," Brown said. "And that's all I'm focused on right now." ... Ryan couldn't resist thumbing his nose at the analysts who noted that Baltimore was on pace to allow 144 yards to Titans rookie running back Chris Johnson before he injured his ankle and left the game at halftime with 72 yards on 11 carries. "I read all the experts say we would have given up 150 yards to the running back from Tennessee," Ryan said. "Remember, he never finished the game for some reason. Whatever that reason is, they can cry all they want. Who cares? We're here. We're still playing, and they can watch us." ... Ryan praised Lewis, a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. "Trust me, it's a heck of a lot more about Ray than it is about me," he said. "He's such a student of the game. If you really want to be great, you'll study the tapes and all that yourself. Ray probably puts in as many hours as most coaches do." ... The Ravens have been preparing diligently for anticipated cold weather in Pittsburgh on Sunday. "That started way back in the spring when we practiced outside in the rain," offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said. "We go outside when it's cold. We're trying to build an offense that is weatherproof and condition proof." ... The Ravens would like to get some snaps for rookie running back Ray Rice despite the rust factor caused by missing four games with a left shin contusion. "We haven't seen him in a while because he hasn't been healthy," Cameron said. "But we think he's an outstanding football player. He's smart. He's tough. Little more quickness in some areas than some guys. We're going to need him in this game. There's no doubt about it. He 's probably the healthiest guy we have."