The Steelers begin practice preparations today for their Sunday game at home against the New England Patriots. The Wednesday injury report is out and it shows that nose tackle Chris Hoke, linebacker James Harrison (eye), guard Doug Legursky (toe), wide receiver Hines Ward (ankle) and linebacker Jason Worilds (quad) did not practice today. Hampton expects to play Sunday after missing the last 3 weeks with his shoulder injury. Harrison told reporters today that when the doctor tells him he can come back, he will be back, but that he still is experiencing some sensitivity to light. Hoke will likely be down again after it was reported is still having nerve problems in his neck after suffering a stinger against the Jaguars. Ward is pretty much day to day at this point as the team monitors his sprained ankle. Linebacker James Farrior (calf) was also limited today, but should be ready to play Sunday.
For the Patriots on Wednesday, defensive back Josh Barrett (thumb), cornerback Leigh Bodden (thumb), defensive back Ras-I Dowling (hip), running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis (toe), defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (back), linebacker Jerod Mayo (knee) and tackle Sebastian Vollmer (back) were all limited today. Linebacker Dane Fletcher (thumb) was the only Patriots player that did not practice in some capacity today.
