The Steelers started their practice preparations on Wednesday for the week 11 home game on Sunday against the Oakland Raiders. DE Aaron Smith (triceps) did not practice as usual and is already ruled out for Sunday. Tomlin termed Smith as another week closer during his Tuesday press conference. S Will Allen (concussion), DE Nick Eason (illness), S Troy Polamalu (Achilles) and DT Steve McLendon (illness) all sat out out Wednesday. Allen is the only real question mark as he tries to return from a concussion suffered against the Bengals in week 9. LB Lawrence Timmons (hip), CB Crezdon Butler (quad), DE Brett Keisel (hamstring ) and G Chris Kemoeatu (ankle) were all limited on Wednesday while WR Hines Ward (concussion) practiced fully.
For the Raiders WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (hamstring) and WR Chaz Schilens (knee) did not practice. Limited were CB Nnamdi Asomugha (ankle), DT John Henderson (foot) and TE Zach Miller (foot).
