The Steelers wrapped up practice preparations today as they get ready to host the New England Patriots in a few days at Heinz Field. The Friday injury report is now out and it shows that nose tackle Chris Hoke (neck), linebacker James Harrison (eye), guard Doug Legursky (toe) and Jason Worilds (quad) have been ruled out as expected. Hoke was able to get a little work done however. Wide receiver Hines Ward (ankle) did not practice for a third straight day after suffering an ankle injury last week against the Cardinals and is officially listed as questionable. Emmanuel Sanders would start if Ward is down this week and Jerricho Cotchery would also see time in certain personnel groupings. Linebacker James Farrior (calf) was limited again today and is listed as questionable Farrior is saying that he will play. Meanwhile, nose tackle Casey Hampton (shoulder) will return to the lineup this week after missing the the last three games with a shoulder injury. He was never listed this week on the injury report.
For the Patriots on Friday, linebacker Dane Fletcher (thumb) did not practice again on Friday and was ruled out. Cornerback Ras-I Dowling (hip) also did not practice again on Friday and is listed as doubtful. Safety Josh Barrett (thumb), running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis (toe), defensive end Albert Haynesworth (back), linebacker Jerod Mayo (knee) and tackle Sebastian Vollmer (back) all were limited for a third straight day and all are officially listed as questionable.
