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Notebook: Ben doesn't belittle Ward's sore hammy
By: Mike Bires
Beaver County Times
[url="http://www.timesonline.com/sports/sports_details/article/1424/2009/december/09/notebook-ben-doesnt-belittle-wards-sore-hammy.html"]http://www.timesonline.com/sports/sport ... hammy.html[/url]
Wednesday December 9, 2009 12:21 AM
PITTSBURGH — Talk about irony. Ten days after Hines Ward questioned Ben Roethlisberger’s toughness, the shoe was on the other foot.
Due to a grade 1 hamstring pull, Ward is questionable for Thursday night’s game in Cleveland.
When asked about Ward’s injury, Roethlisberger didn’t cause a controversy like Ward did on Nov. 29.
“Hines will do what’s best for Hines, I’m sure,” Roethlisberger said Tuesday. “I don’t want Hines to be hurt. I want him out there playing. But if he can’t play, he can’t play.”
Before the Steelers played in Baltimore, Ward said he was disappointed that Roethlisberger didn’t play because “it’s just a concussion.” Ward also said the Steelers’ locker room had a 50/50 split over Roethlisberger not playing against the archrival Ravens.
Ward, who was hurt on the next-to-last play in Sunday’s 27-24 loss to Oakland, is listed as questionable for the game against Cleveland. He did not practice Tuesday but may try to work out today.
“You know me, I’m a competitor,” Ward said. “People on this team know that I’m a competitor. I’ll try to do all I can to play. I’m going to do all I can to be out there. Never count me out.
“But I have to be smart at the same time,” Ward added. “If I don’t feel I’m capable of playing, I won’t go out there and jeopardize more games the rest of the year.”
If Ward can’t play, rookie Mike Wallace will start in his place.
Limas Sweed would be the No. 3 receiver and unless there’s a last-minute roster move, Stefan Logan, who’s been strictly used a kick return specialist, would be the No. 4 wideout.
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WHAT CHANGES?
At his press Monday press conference, coach Mike Tomlin said there would be personnel changes in an attempt to end the Steelers’ four-game long streak. But based on Tuesday’s practice, it’s hard to gauge what changes, if any, will be made in the starting lineup.
Both starting corners — Ike Taylor and William Gay — practiced with the first-team defense. Tomlin said that because Gay suffered a concussion Sunday, that he would likely be replaced by rookie Joe Burnett.
“I went through all the (concussion) tests and the doctors allowed me to practice,” Gay said. “I didn’t have any headaches today, so I’m aiming to play.”
Burnett said that he hasn’t been told if he’ll start, but said, “I’m ready.”
Meanwhile, Tomlin also insinuated that Taylor might be replaced because of his performance against the Raiders. But Taylor said he expects to start.
Burnett and fellow rookie Keenan Lewis did get plenty of reps at practice Tuesday. Rookie tackle Ramon Foster took plenty of snaps at right tackle. But Foster said that he split time with Willie Colon because Colon’s back is a little sore.
OTHER INJURIES
For the first time since breaking his left wrist in the Nov. 22 loss in Kansas City, back-up QB Charlie Batch practiced. Although the Steelers’ injury report listed him as a full participant, Batch was clearly limited with what he could do.
It’s very unlikely he’ll be in uniform Thursday.
Also, RB Rashard Mendenhall was limited at practice with an ankle injury, but he’s expected to start.
By: Mike Bires
Beaver County Times
[url="http://www.timesonline.com/sports/sports_details/article/1424/2009/december/09/notebook-ben-doesnt-belittle-wards-sore-hammy.html"]http://www.timesonline.com/sports/sport ... hammy.html[/url]
Wednesday December 9, 2009 12:21 AM
PITTSBURGH — Talk about irony. Ten days after Hines Ward questioned Ben Roethlisberger’s toughness, the shoe was on the other foot.
Due to a grade 1 hamstring pull, Ward is questionable for Thursday night’s game in Cleveland.
When asked about Ward’s injury, Roethlisberger didn’t cause a controversy like Ward did on Nov. 29.
“Hines will do what’s best for Hines, I’m sure,” Roethlisberger said Tuesday. “I don’t want Hines to be hurt. I want him out there playing. But if he can’t play, he can’t play.”
Before the Steelers played in Baltimore, Ward said he was disappointed that Roethlisberger didn’t play because “it’s just a concussion.” Ward also said the Steelers’ locker room had a 50/50 split over Roethlisberger not playing against the archrival Ravens.
Ward, who was hurt on the next-to-last play in Sunday’s 27-24 loss to Oakland, is listed as questionable for the game against Cleveland. He did not practice Tuesday but may try to work out today.
“You know me, I’m a competitor,” Ward said. “People on this team know that I’m a competitor. I’ll try to do all I can to play. I’m going to do all I can to be out there. Never count me out.
“But I have to be smart at the same time,” Ward added. “If I don’t feel I’m capable of playing, I won’t go out there and jeopardize more games the rest of the year.”
If Ward can’t play, rookie Mike Wallace will start in his place.
Limas Sweed would be the No. 3 receiver and unless there’s a last-minute roster move, Stefan Logan, who’s been strictly used a kick return specialist, would be the No. 4 wideout.
Advertisement Beaver Valley Federal Credit Union
WHAT CHANGES?
At his press Monday press conference, coach Mike Tomlin said there would be personnel changes in an attempt to end the Steelers’ four-game long streak. But based on Tuesday’s practice, it’s hard to gauge what changes, if any, will be made in the starting lineup.
Both starting corners — Ike Taylor and William Gay — practiced with the first-team defense. Tomlin said that because Gay suffered a concussion Sunday, that he would likely be replaced by rookie Joe Burnett.
“I went through all the (concussion) tests and the doctors allowed me to practice,” Gay said. “I didn’t have any headaches today, so I’m aiming to play.”
Burnett said that he hasn’t been told if he’ll start, but said, “I’m ready.”
Meanwhile, Tomlin also insinuated that Taylor might be replaced because of his performance against the Raiders. But Taylor said he expects to start.
Burnett and fellow rookie Keenan Lewis did get plenty of reps at practice Tuesday. Rookie tackle Ramon Foster took plenty of snaps at right tackle. But Foster said that he split time with Willie Colon because Colon’s back is a little sore.
OTHER INJURIES
For the first time since breaking his left wrist in the Nov. 22 loss in Kansas City, back-up QB Charlie Batch practiced. Although the Steelers’ injury report listed him as a full participant, Batch was clearly limited with what he could do.
It’s very unlikely he’ll be in uniform Thursday.
Also, RB Rashard Mendenhall was limited at practice with an ankle injury, but he’s expected to start.
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