Hines listed as questionable...

[BlitzburghRockCity]

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_468997.html


By The Tribune-Review
Monday, September 4, 2006


Testing his injured hamstring, Hines Ward went through a full practice for the first time since Aug. 4. The injury kept Ward from playing in any of the four exhibition games. Although Ward is listed as questionable for Thursday's opener against the Miami Dolphins, coach Bill Cowher is encouraged by the progress his top receiver is making.
"He seemed pretty good at the end (of practice)," Cowher said.

• Like Ward, tight end Jerame Tuman is questionable for the opener with a hamstring injury. Unlike Ward, Tuman did not practice. Backup center Chukky Okobi also did not dress because of a knee injury.

• Two days after being acquired from the New England Patriots, rookie running back Patrick Cobbs participated in his first workout with the Steelers.

• Three members of the 2006 draft class that were released Saturday were among eight players added to the practice squad yesterday. They were defensive end Orien Harris (4a), quarterback Omar Jacobs (5a) and running back Cedric Humes (7th round). The only 2006 draft pick not on the 53-man roster or practice squad is tight end Charles Davis (5b). Also added to the practice squad were tight end Jon Dekker, fullback John Kuhn, cornerback Anthony Madison, defensive end Shaun Nua and tackle Brandon Torrey.

I sure hope he's recovered because if he goes out and plays and tweaks it again it could be weeks before he is ready to return...if he's not 100% he needs to sit. As much as I want Hines in the game for us, hamstrings can linger on for months if they aren't healed properly.

[Prosdo]

I agree 100% Matt. I think he will play though.

[PITT23]

I've heard he's been practicing pretty well and without much pain and injury so that;s a good sign.

[BlitzburghRockCity]

I think he's going to play too although I don't know how much action he'll see. He'll start but I'd probably look for him to come out of the game every few plays so the coaches can check that hamstring.

[Steelersfan]

We need Hines healthy for the year not just this game so I hope they don't push it.

[Blitzburgh55]

:tt02: We need hines with Ben out
He will play :tt02:

[AZ_Steeler]

The Steelers regular season isn't getting off on the right foot! They made it through training camp and now it's hitting the ceiling!

Considering Ben won't be playing, it would be a real plus to see Ward on the field because he is always a spark. But if both Ben and Ward don't play we are going to need see something special from both Batch and Washington! The good thing is it's only the first game of the season.

[SteelCityMan786]

Good news. Let's hope he plays this Thursday.

[SteelersFire]

I think the fact that Ben is out will put some undue pressure on Hines to be in; but I have to agree that I'd rather have him sit out one more to be on the safe side rather than risk losing him for several games in the beginning of the season.

Wishing him and Ben all the best with full and quick recoveries.

[AZ_Steeler]

Here is the latest on Ward:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06248/719127-66.stm

Ward making progress

Hines Ward practiced for the second consecutive day with no apparent problems to his injured right hamstring that kept him out of every preseason game.

"It's still there, not all the way, but it's coming," Ward said.

"You know I'm not missing this game. Yes, I will be playing."

Said Cowher, "He's making good progress."

[Steelersfan]

Finally some good news. Sure hope to see him out there playing,

[House of Steel]

Me too. I will wear my game jersey of Hines Thursday night.

[THE LEGEND]

He may play, but will not be effictive.

[House of Steel]

You don't know Hines Ward. He will rock and roll all over the Dolphins Weak Secondary.

[THE LEGEND]

and how many practices has he made? Please you should not makes comments you know nothing about. Have you see he this year? Has he playes this year? What has he done this year for you to expect him to be
effictive, please be specific.

[House of Steel]

HE PLAYS THROUGH PAIN!!! WE'VE ALL SEEN IT!!! I am being specific. He will play through pain. He is the toughest and hard hitting Wide Receiver in the game today. So what, he hasn't practice, the man doesn't need to practice. He know what his duties are. He is a veteran for crying out loud. You really need to open up to people, you know.

[THE LEGEND]

So you have not seen him practice or play? You made you oppinion based on
the fact that he is a veteran. He is going to be with a different QB who he has not caught a pass from in almost a year. How many catches with he have? how many yards? My guess is 3 recpts and 25 yards....he will be used
mostly as a decoy. It's ok to be just a fan but don't act like you know the game.

[AZ_Steeler]

:popcorn: This is good! Keep it going guys! :popcorn:

[Steelersfan]

Ward will be fine because he is a veteran. He won't be in midseason shape but the Dophins will still have to account for him. Wilson will make the difference for the Steelers this game.

[AZ_Steeler]

Wilson will need to step up for the Steelers to win this, plus Batch needs to deliver the ball to him as well... but IMO I'm thinking the X-Factor is going to be either Washington or Holmes. If one of these guys can slip through the secondary I see the Steelers first long TD of the season.

The other key is going to be a big play from special teams. I know the Steelers were working with Holmes and Reid both returning punts, two return guys... this could be a perfect setup for a reverse or something because these two are a couple of speedsters!

[House of Steel]

Washington will do it. This is his time to shine on national primetime. Make a name for himself. Holmes could do some magic too. I got a sense of feeling that Reid is going to key us in for victory as far as field position. I bet you he will have a Return TD tonight.

You know, AZ, you and I ought to form a team and coach this thing. We got some brilliant minds in here for coordinators and coaches.

PS: I hope Top Gun is able to watch the game from the beach. Hey TG, HERE WE GO STEELERS, HERE WE GO!!!