PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward did not practice again on Friday due to a sprained ankle and is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots.
Emmanuel Sanders indicated he expects to start Sunday in place of Ward, who has not practiced all week. Sanders has one official career start — the season finale last season, but only because Pittsburgh opened in a three-receiver set.
The franchise career leader in every major receiving statistical category, Ward has not missed a game since 2007 — although last November he was knocked out of a game against the Patriots early due to a concussion. That ended a club record streak of 186 consecutive games with a reception.
Linebacker Jason Worilds (quadriceps), backup nose tackle Chris Hoke (neck) and guard Doug Legursky (toe) were ruled out for Sunday’s game, along with linebacker James Harrison (broken eye socket), who will miss his fourth consecutive.
Veteran inside linebacker James Farrior is questionable after being limited in participation. With Worilds out, Stevenson Sylvester would spell Farrior if he cannot play.
