The Steelers got their second day of practice in on Thursday in preparation for the Sunday game against the Tennessee Titans and things barely improved on the Thursday injury report. Cornerback Cortez Allen (ankle), nose tackle Casey Hampton (shoulder), guard Chris Kemoeatu (knee), running back Rashard Mendenhall (hamstring), running back Mewelde Moore (ankle), defensive end Aaron Smith (foot) and linebacker Jason Worilds (quad) all sat out for a second straight day. It seems very likely that Kemoeatu, Mendenhall, Moore, Smith and Worilds will all be out Sunday. Linebacker James Harrison (eye) will not play as he recovers from his Wednesday surgery. Guard Doug Legursky looks to return this week and start at left guard if Kemoeatu is indeed down this week. Practice squad running back John Clay could be promoted to the 53 man roster if indeed Mendenhall and Moore are ruled out. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and wide receiver Hines Ward (not injury related) both practiced fully on Thursday and Ward has been removed from the injury report. Newly re-signed tackle Max Starks reportedly took 66 to 75 percent of first-team snaps at left tackle today according to Scott Brown and he also reported that offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said that Starks is indeed a candidate to start against the Titans.
For the Titans on Thursday, safety Michael Griffin (illness) and tight end Craig Stevens (rib) both did not practice today. Kick returner Marc Mariani (hip) practiced fully today after sitting out on Wednesday. Linebacker Gerald McRath (knee) practiced fully for a second straight day. Safety Chris Hope (forearm) has already been ruled out for Sunday.
