The Steelers got great news on Friday as linebacker Lawrence Timmons (ankle) practiced fully and is listed as probable on the injury report. Timmons posted on his blog that he would be playing Sunday versus the Bears. The news on wide receiver Limas Sweed (foot) is as expected. Sweed, who is suffering from a mid-foot sprain he injured on Wednesday, did not practice on Friday and is listed as out for this week. Wide receiver Shaun McDonald will take his place on the game day roster. Cornerback Ike Taylor did not practice on Friday (not injury related), and has to be listed as probable because of the missed practice. Taylor will play on Sunday. The only other player listed on the injury report is safety Troy Polamalu (knee), who has long been ruled out with a sprained MCL.
For the Bears on Friday, tight end Desmond Clark (rib) and linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee) did not practice and will be out this week. Tackle Frank Omiyale (ankle), defensive end Mark Anderson (toe), safety Danieal Manning (back), defensive tackle Tommie Harris (knee) and safety Al Afalava (shoulder) all particpated fully on Friday and are listed as probable on the injury report. Manning will return to the starting lineup this week at free safety in place of Kevin Payne. Nick Roach will start Sunday’s game in place of the Tinoisamoa at strong side linebacker.
