The Steelers continued their practice preparations on Thursday for their week 13 game this coming Sunday afternoon against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field and the Thursday injury report is now out following practice. As mentioned earlier today, center Maurkice Pouncey (illness) was limited as he works back from the stomach virus that forced him to exit early from the game Sunday night against the Kansas City Chiefs. The virus caused him to lose 12 pounds, and he is just now starting to regain his strength according to the afternoon reports, and he has gained back 2 of the lost pounds thus far. Pouncey did tell reporters today that he will definitely play on Sunday. Linebacker LaMarr Woodley (hamstring) practiced fully for a second straight day on Thursday and is looking better to return to the line-up after missing the last 3 games due to the injured hamstring he suffered against the Patriots. Woodley said he did as much today in practice as he did yesterday and that barring a setback, he is playing Sunday. Safety Troy Polamalu (head) practiced fully today after sitting out Wednesday because of the concussion he suffered Sunday night against the Chiefs. It looks pretty good that Polamalu will be able to play this Sunday as the reports earlier in the week suggested. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (right hand) banged his injured thumb during practice on Thursday and did not finish practice today. He was listed as limited today. He reportedly had the thumb on ice after practice, but says he will be OK. Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (foot) was also added to the injury report on Thursday after he sat out practice because of a foot problem. Linebacker Larry Foote (hamstring) was limited for a second straight day, while wide receiver Arnaz Battle (hamstring) and linebacker Chris Carter (hamstring) both sat out on Thursday. Battle had been limited on Wednesday. Linebacker Stevenson Sylvester (calf) practiced fully for a second straight day as he looks to rebound from the calf injury that forced him to miss the Sunday night game against the Chiefs.
For the Bengals on Thursday, running back Cedric Benson (foot), defensive end Carlos Dunlap (hamstring), linebacker Dontay Moch (not injury related) and defensive tackle Domata Peko (foot) all did not practice for a second straight day. Cornerback Nate Clements (hamstring), safety Chris Crocker (biceps), cornerback Brandon Ghee (groin) and wide receiver Jerome Simpson (knee) were all limited after sitting out on Wednesday. Tight end Donald Lee (foot) and defensive tackle Pat Sims (ankle) were both limited on Thursday for a second straight day.
