The Steelers began practice preparations on Wednesday for the week 17 game in Miami versus the Dolphins. Linebacker James Farrior (not injury related), defensive end Brett Keisel (neck), guard Chris Kemoeatu (wrist), defensive end Travis Kirschke (calf) and wide receiver Hines Ward (hamstring) all sat out practice on Wednesday. Linebacker Rocky Boiman (calf), running back Willie Parker (shoulder) and safety Troy Polamalu (knee) all practiced on a limited basis. Polamalu working was the best news of the day, but he did not work in the contact portion of practice. Thursday and Friday are still key days to determine his availability for Sunday, but it still does not look good according to reports on Wednesday.
For the Dolphins on Wednesday, tackle Vernon Carey (knee) and running back Ricky Williams (shoulder) both had full participation in practice.