(Pittsburgh-AP) -- Now that Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher is seeing less of Casey Hampton, opponents are seeing more of him.

The 320-pound nose tackle has shed about 20 pounds since training camp started in July, and that means he's getting onto the field more on passing downs. Last season, he was used mostly as a run stopper and often came off the field on third downs.

The Steelers need Hampton to be a factor up the middle when they match 1-and-0 records Sunday with Kansas City. The Chiefs' Priest Holmes has rushed for 100 yards or more in three of his last four games against Pittsburgh.

(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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