The Steelers wrapped up their Friday practice in preparation for the week 5 game this Sunday against the Tennessee Titans and released their final injury report of the week. Nose tackle Casey Hampton (shoulder), linebacker James Harrison (eye), guard Chris Kemoeatu (knee), defensive end Aaron Smith (foot), running back Mewelde Moore (ankle) and linebacker Jason Worilds (quad) were all ruled out on Friday after not practicing all week. Cornerback Cortez Allen (ankle) also did not practice on Friday and is listed as questionable. Running back Rashard Mendenhall (hamstring) was limited on Friday after sitting out Wednesday and Thursday. He is listed as questionable headed into the weekend. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (foot) practiced fully for a second straight day and is listed as probable.
With Hampton now ruled out, Chris Hoke and Steve McLendon will likely rotate in at nose tackle in base formations. Lawrence Timmons will start at right outside linebacker in place of Harrison. Defensive end Brett Keisel returns to right defensive end this week after missing the last two games with his knee injury so Ziggy Hood will flip back to left defensive end in place of Smith. With Moore now ruled out running back Jonathan Dwyer will be active for the first time this season. Doug Legursky also returns this week and will start at left guard with Kemoeatu out. Allen and Mendenhall look to be game time decisions at this point. If Mendy is not good to go by Saturday, the Steelers might be forced to activate running back John Clay from the practice squad. Max Starks is expected to start at left tackle this week as well.
For the Titans on Friday, tight end Craig Stevens (rib) missed practice for the third straight day but is expected to play according to head coach Mike Munchak. He is listed as questionable on the Friday injury report. Safety Michael Griffin (illness) returned to practice Friday after sitting out sick Thursday and is listed as probable. Linebacker Gerald McRath (knee) and kick returner Marc Mariani (hip) are also listed as probable after practicing fully again on Friday. Fullback Ahmard Hall (not injury related) is probable after being excused from practice Friday but will play Sunday. Guard Leroy Harris (knee) is listed as questionable and expected to play. Safety Chris Hope (forearm) has long been ruled out for Sunday.
