PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton spoke at practice Wednesday and said he expects to play Sunday against New England at 4:15 p.m.

Hampton has missed the last three weeks with a shoulder injury. He told reporters he doesn’t expect any issues with the injury if he returns to the lineup.

“If I’m out there, there aren’t going to be any limitations,” Hampton said after Wednesday’s practice.

Hines Ward, who suffered a sprained ankle at Arizona Sunday, did not participate. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday that Ward’s status against the Patriots is dependent upon his participation in practice.

Nose tackle Chris Hoke (stinger), linebacker James Harrison (eye) and guard Doug Legursky (toe) were all held out of practice as well. James Farrior was limited in practice because of a calf problem.

The Observer-Reporter’s Dale Lolley reports that Hoke’s injury will be an issue for the rest of the season because it’s based around repeated nerve damage.

As for Harrison, he says he had double-vision, light sensitivity and could have potentially lost his vision because of a fractured orbital bone. He’s expected to be out for at least a few more weeks.