Ward 'doubtful" for Sunday's game

[fansince'76]

Originally Posted by Lord Stiller

They might as well let Reid field a punt or two to see what he can do.

I'd rather they don't - I saw him bobble enough kicks during the preseason. Which is kinda why they traded a conditional pick for Rossum in the first place. I don't feel like watching them start drives inside the 10, or even worse, giving up possession entirely because he can't field a kick.

[83-Steelers-43]

Originally Posted by Lord Stiller

They might as well let Reid field a punt or two to see what he can do

We are trying to win this game, not give it away.

I'll take Rossum and his 98 yard return.

[83-Steelers-43]

A little more from Tomlin and on the injury situation(s)....

Ward has a sprained knee, is 'doubtful' for Sunday
By David M. Brown
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Wide receiver Hines Ward has a sprained knee and is "doubtful" for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said today at his weekly news conference.

Tomlin has not ruled out having Ward for the game that pits him against former Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt in a battle of wits between rookie head coaches.

"I've learned not to count a guy like Hines Ward out," Tomlin said.

Starting center Sean Mahan also sustained a sprained knee in the Steelers' 37-16 win over the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday but he is expected to play against the Cardinals.

The Steelers may dress rookie center/guard Darnell Stapleton Sunday given Mahan's situation. Starting right guard Kendall Simmons can also play center if needed Sunday.

But, Tomlin said of Mahan, "we expect him to be fine."

Rookie tight end Matt Spaeth (thigh bruise) is questionable for the 4 p.m. game. Tomlin said Spaeth won't play against the Cardinals if he misses significant practice time this week.

Even if Ward and Spaeth don't play Sunday, Tomlin said it won't affect what the Steelers do offensively, particularly in the passing game.

"Injuries cannot be a factor in determining the quality of play," Tomlin said.

Tomlin tried to downplay the Steelers playing a team that has two coaches (Whisenhunt and Russ Grimm) that were finalists for the job that Tomlin got after Bill Cowher resigned last January.

The Cardinals also have a handful of former Steelers players on their team, including center Chukky Okobi and wide receiver Sean Morey.

Tomlin is at least aware of how much of a storyline the Cardinals-ex-Steelers connection will be leading up to the game.

After wrapping up his news conference, he smiled and said, "You guys are going to sell a lot of newspapers this week."

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitt.../s_529304.html

[83-Steelers-43]

PPG:

Rookie tight end Matt Spaeth, the only Steeler with two touchdowns, is probable after missing last week's game with a deep thigh bruise.

Trib:

Rookie tight end Matt Spaeth (thigh bruise) is questionable for the 4 p.m. game.

[Lord Stiller]

Originally Posted by 83-Steelers-43

We are trying to win this game, not give it away.

I'll take Rossum and his 98 yard return.

I said return punts not kickoffs. Rossum hasn't had any good punt returns yet. They invested a 3rd round pick in Reid, its time to see if he can play.

Remember Randel El struggled at punt returns too for awhile

[83-Steelers-43]

Reid showed me that he's good at fumbling and bobbling the ball and not hitting the holes on returns (punts and kicks).

I'll take my "gamble" with Rossum. But, I guess we will see what Tomlin thinks this upcoming Sunday.

[fansince'76]

Originally Posted by Lord Stiller

I said return punts not kickoffs. Rossum hasn't had any good punt returns yet.

Rossum hasn't put any punts on the ground yet either. It was somewhat acceptable during the preseason, but it's not now.

[83-Steelers-43]

Rossum doesn't have to return one punt to the house for all I care. If he does, that's icing on the cake for me. Just don't fumble the ball and give the opposing team the ball on our 20 or 30.

[fansince'76]

Originally Posted by 83-Steelers-43

Rossum doesn't have to return one punt to the house for all I care. Just don't fumble the ball and give the opposing team the ball on our 20 our 30.

Or fair catch it inside the 10.

[jjpro11]

wouldnt it be something if reid took a short pass to the house sunday? 80 yard WR screen pass for the TD. c'mon reid, show us your speed!