On Monday, coach Mike Tomlin said that receiver Hines Ward is “very questionable” for Thursday night’s game at Cleveland, due to a hamstring injury. On Tuesday, Tomlin gave a more ominous assessment of Ward’s availability.
But the official designation for Ward in the final injury report is “questionable,” and Ward practiced on a limited basis today.
Another positive development for the Steelers is that running back Rashard Mendenhall, who has fully supplanted Willie Parker as the go-to tailback, fully participated in practice on Wednesday. Mendenhall is listed as probable.
Cornerback William Gay suffered a concussion when he took teammate Ryan Mundy’s helmet to the facemask on the final Raiders drive of Oakland’s upset of the Steelers. Gay fully participated in practice on Wednesday, but he is listed as questionable. Quarterback Charlie Batch (wrist) is probable, which means that he could be Ben Roethlisberger’s primary backup.
For the Browns, offensive lineman Rex Hadnot (knee), fullback Lawrence Vickers, linebacker Kamerion Wimbley, and defensive back Eric Wright (hamstring) are questionable.
Nine Browns are probable, including both tailbacks -- Jerome Harrison (illness) and Chris Jennings (shoulder).