The Steelers wrapped up preparations of Friday to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday down in Tampa and released their official practice report following practice. As expected QB Dennis Dixon (knee) and G Trai Essex (ankle) were both ruled out after missing all week. It is speculated that Dixon could be placed on IR as soon as Saturday. Reserve lineman Doug Legursky will start in place of Essex at right guard on Sunday. WR Hines Ward (calf), T Max Starks (ankle), G Chris Kemoeatu (knee) and NT Casey Hampton (hamstring) all are listed as probable after all practiced fully on Friday. Starks and Hampton are looking to start after sitting out last Sunday against Tennessee.
For the Buccaneers on Friday, C Jeff Faine (calf) worked on a limited basis after sitting out Wednesday and Thursday, but said he is good to go against the Steelers this weekend. LB Niko Koutouvides (ankle) and CB Myron Lewis (undisclosed) both did not partake in practice today and Koutouvides is questionable for Sunday\’s game. QB Josh Freeman (thumb), RB Cadillac Williams (hamstring) and TE Kellen Winslow (knee) all fully participated today and are all probable on the injury report.
