Steelers Injury Report: Ward & Hampton Could Play Sunday
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — Two Steelers could potentially find themselves back in the lineup Sunday when New England visits Heinz Field at 4:15 p.m.
Wide receiver Hines Ward, who sprained his ankle in the second half at Arizona Sunday, and nose tackle Casey Hampton, who has sat out the last few weeks with a shoulder injury, are potential targets to return.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday in his weekly press conference that the statuses of both will be determined by their ability to participate at practice throughout the week.
Ward's absence Sunday was spelled by a 100-yard receiving effort from Antonio Brown. Hampton and fellow nose tackle Chris Hoke were both out for the Arizona game, forcing Steven McLendon to make his first career start.
"We're gonna look hard this week at Hines Ward in terms of his participation (and) let that be our guide in terms of his readiness, along with Casey Hampton," Tomlin said. "I think Casey Hampton has taken a step. He's scheduled to practice on Wednesday — we'll see where that participation leads us. We could get him back in the fold and, of course, that'd be a nice shot in the arm for us up front, defensively."
Tomlin later added, "I won't be surprised of anything that Hines is capable of doing, particularly from a health standpoint."
Other Injury notes:
- Tomlin said the injuries of linebacker James Harrison (eye), nose tackle Chris Hoke (neck), linebacker Jason Worilds (quad) and guard Doug Legursky (toe) are all "status quo," meaning none will be available this week.
- Rookie cornerback Curtis Brown is experiencing back spasms that may limit him in practice.
