Ward back at practice..then leaves again!

**BlitzburghRockCity** · 08-22-2006, 12:09 AM

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06234/715276-66.stm

Steelers Notebook: Injured Ward returns, leaves practice early
Tuesday, August 22, 2006

By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Hines Ward took two steps forward and perhaps one backward yesterday when he practiced for the first time in more than two weeks and quit early because he felt a twinge in his left hamstring.

"It went all right," said Ward. "I still felt something in it. ... I'm still day to day."

Ward, the Steelers' career leader in receptions, missed the first two preseason games after his hamstring was injured Aug. 4 in practice. He has hired some medical people from York, Pa., who spent the weekend working on his hamstring.

"Overall it felt good to be back out here," Ward said. "I got some reps in. Toward the end I started getting fatigued and I just wanted to be cautious about it."

Ward had pointed to yesterday's practice as a target for his return as the Steelers prepare for their third preseason game, Friday in Philadelphia.

"This is an important game for me because it's really our last dress rehearsal," Ward said. "The last preseason game, we probably won't get much playing time so to really get a feel for the game, going against a great team like Philadelphia, this is an important week for me."

Ward, the Super Bowl MVP, has missed just one game in his eight-year career, that coming last season because of a hamstring injury.

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Just take it easy Hines..the last thing we need is a hamstring that nags you all season long..if that means sitting out the rest of the preseason then so be it.

**Prosdo** · 08-22-2006, 12:16 AM

Not happy to hear this. Hines just needs to rest. No need to rush back.

**PITT23** · 08-22-2006, 12:22 AM

Its definitly the hunger in him that he feels he needs to get back on the field. He needs to take it easy though for sure.

**Steelersfan** · 08-22-2006, 01:03 AM

Doesn't sound too bad. He is making progress anyways. He just needs to take it slow and make sure he is %100 to start the year.

**Aunkster** · 08-22-2006, 01:50 AM

At least he is trying

**AZ_Steeler** · 08-22-2006, 12:41 PM

I'm glad to see him at least give it a shot, because I was starting to get concerned he may have been faking it... I talked a little about this yesterday, but like I said I don't want to question his character. For me, to see him at least give it go is better then sitting on the sidelines riding a bike for hours.

**Black@Gold Forever32** · 08-22-2006, 02:26 PM

Hines is a warrior people. He will be fine. He played with a ham string injury last year and did fine. I agree he just rest and doesn't need to rush back. When it counts Hines will be there like always.

**SteelCityMan786** · 08-22-2006, 03:31 PM

All Hines needs is rest and he'll be fine.

**Stairwayto7** · 08-22-2006, 06:41 PM

Slow down Hines, these injuries are the worst, and very nagging. Lets hope we can play without him until fully recovered. Maybe this will be our chance to really see Washington, Holmes, and even more morgan. Plus Heath should get more looks

**SteelCityMan786** · 08-22-2006, 08:12 PM

Personally I'd rather have Hines healthy for the regular season then a pre-season game. Take your time Hines, go at a pace that will get you back with no trouble.