Friday’s Practice Report

The Steelers held their final practice of the week on Friday as they prepare for the Baltimore Ravens. The latest updates on James Harrison, Mewelde Moore, Brett Keisel, Ray Rice and Derrick Mason

Sources tell me Brett Keisel will not play this weekend. Keisel was hopeful to give it a go today but he was very limited. Next week against Tennessee is a good target date for him.

James Harrison who missed practice on Wednesday, Thursday, returned to practice today. The Steelers wanted Harrison to rest his knee which has been bothering him. He may not be 100% for the game but that won’t matter for him.

Carey Davis is still up in the air.

McFadden and Gay continue to split time with the first team

Word is Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason was very limited in practice on Friday but Mason is expected to play. Running back Ray Rice and wide receiver Marcus Maxwell are doubtful.

The Steelers have kept the trash talking to a minimum as has the Baltimore Ravens. Seems like under John Harbaugh the Ravens are showing a lot more discipline than they have under Brian Billick in the past

My source said the 1st team reps were close to even between Willie Parker and Mewelde Moore throughout the week of practice. When healthy it is usually 80-20 Parker

A lot of people around the Steelers locker room believe the Steelers miss Rashard Mendenhall more than people thought they would. Ed Bouchette was among the local media figures who thought Mendenhall would be the Steelers primary back by the end of the season. Mendenhall has been in the facility for the past 3-4 weeks working out and should be good to go for spring drills.

Don’t believe any talk that James Harrison is going to hold out this off-season. Harrison does seek an extention but the Steelers plan to take care of him and it’s going to be a front loaded deal. Harrison and Heath Miller are the Steelers top priorities this off-season.

At this moment the Steelers have no plans to extend Willie Parker’s contract following the season. Parker has one year remaining on his contract.