The Steelers have wrapped up their Thursday practice in preparation for the Sunday game against the New England Patriots. Not practicing for a second straight day were nose tackle Chris Hoke (neck), linebacker James Harrison (eye), guard Doug Legursky (toe), wide receiver Hines Ward (ankle). Linebacker James Farrior (calf) was limited for a second straight day. Linebacker Jason Worilds (quad) was limited today after not practicing on Wednesday. Nose tackle Casey Hampton (shoulder) practiced fully for a second straight day and is not on the injury report this week. Should Ward end up being down this week, Emmanuel Sanders will start in his place as Sanders is a much better blocker than Antonio Brown. Harrison and Hoke will all be out this week and Worilds likely will be down again in addition. Ward and Farrior look to be game-time decisions at this point, but word is that Farrior should be ready by Sunday.
For the Patriots on Thursday, oft-injured rookie cornerback Ras-I Dowling (hip) joined linebacker Dane Fletcher (thumb) on Thursday as the two players not practicing after being limited in Wednesday. Safety Josh Barrett (thumb), cornerback Leigh Bodden (thumb), running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis (toe), defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth (back), linebacker Jerod Mayo (knee) and offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer (back) were also limited for a second straight day.
