Steelers' Ward returns to practice

[lamberts-lost-tooth]

Steelers' Ward returns to practice
By John Harris
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward returned to action Tuesday following offseason knee surgery. Ward participated in his first official workout during the team's second OTA (organized team activity), taking the field for a scheduled number of reps, coach Mike Tomlin said.
"We're cautious about the number of reps. We rep counted him a little bit,'' Tomlin said.

• Defensive end Aaron Smith, who underwent biceps surgery, isn't "fully recovered,'' according to Tomlin. "He's hitting the sled, participating in individual (drills).'' ... Starting running back Willie Parker, recovering from a broken leg suffered last season, took some reps yesterday ... Rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall still hasn't recovered from a hamstring injury he suffered during the team's mandatory minicamp earlier this month. "I feel good. We're taking it day-by-day,'' said Mendenhall, the Steelers' first-round draft pick. "We want to make sure everything's OK.'' ... Guard Chris Kemoeatu was sidelined with a hamstring injury ... Tackle Marvel Smith was excused for personal reasons.

• Rookie linebacker Bruce Davis will miss the rest of the OTA's because of an agreement between the NFL and NCAA that limits a player to one minicamp with a pro team while his school is still in session. Davis, a third-round draft pick from UCLA, will miss all of the offseason workouts except for the minicamp. Final exams end at UCLA June 13. The Steelers' final OTA session is June 12.

• The other Steelers rookie affected by the rule is free agent cornerback Roy Lewis of Washington. Final exams at Washington also end June 13.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitt.../s_568577.html

[Galax Steeler]

Good to hear about ward I hope he is fully healed and ready to go.

I hope Mendehall will be ready to go before long also.

[steelwall]

What the heck is up with our 1st round draft picks injuring themselves from the get go....geez.

[Elvis]

I hate to see the injuries also, but they are a part of the game that just seems like it has killed our last 2 1st round draft picks with us.
I love the fact that Hines is back working as well and I hope and pray that he stays healthy. Just hope that the steelers get through the rest of the offseason without having anymore of these injuries.

[Dino 6 Rings]

Welcome back Ward, now get to work old man!!! LOL!

[BettisFan]

Good thing hes back he needs to keep himself in shape!

[Galax Steeler]

Originally Posted by Dino 5 Rings

Welcome back Ward, now get to work old man!!! LOL!

I think the old man can still get it done.

[TheWarDen86]

Hines Ward sucks. I wish he'd just retire already.

Sorry. I'm just bored to tears.

[lilyoder6]

wow thats suxs 4 bruce that he can't pratice anymore w/ the team.. hopefully he can get a rly good trainer to help him out

[PisnNapalm]

Originally Posted by steelwall

What the heck is up with our 1st round draft picks injuring themselves from the get go....geez.

It happens all the time. From the end of their college career they are called upon to do a huge number of things that takes them away from their regular workout routines. They get called to visit numerous teams for interviews, media interviews, meeting about potential endorsements, etc...

I have no doubt that he'll be ready to go for training camp this summer.