PITTSBURGH (KDKA/AP) – Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward has cleared post-concussion tests and returned to practice in full pads on Wednesday.

Ward suffered the concussion from a hit in the first quarter of last Sunday’s game against the Patriots.

He said he had no problems passing the memory and judgment tests.

While the Steelers rarely practice in full pads, coach Mike Tomlin chose to have such a workout Wednesday – an apparent response to the way they played against New England.

Troy Polamalu and fellow safety Will Allen sat out practice on Wednesday to recover from injuries. Lawrence Timmons, Chris Kemoeatu and Brett Keisel were back at practice but in a limited role.