Steelers/Ravens Practice Reports

Running back Willie Parker, wide receiver Hines Ward, defensive end Aaron Smith and cornerback Deshea Townsend were given the day off from practice, but aren’t injured.

Justin Hartwig and Troy Polamalu also did not practice today. Both are going to be limited throughout the week. Polamalu (calf) will play and the same for Justin Hartwig (knee). If Hartwig were to suffer a set back, Darnell Stapleton will move

to center and it appears Trai Essex would start at RG. Hopefully it doesn’t come to that as Hartwig had his best game in a Steelers uniform against the Chargers last Sunday.

Linebacker Terrell Suggs (shoulder), Cornerback Samari Rolle (groin), defensive tackle Justin Bannan (foot), linebacker Jarret Johnson (calf), running back Le’Ron McClain (ankle) and wide receivers Derrick Mason (knee) and Mark Clayton (thigh), all missed practice today.

Terrell Suggs is very questionable for Sunday’s game. According to the Baltimore Sun, The right shoulder of Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs seemed tender and sore today in the locker room.

, “When taking off his shirt, Suggs used only his left arm. He basically kept the right arm at his side. He has been taking treatment, but you can still see he is in a lot of discomfort.” Source – Baltimore Sun. It is clear that Suggs won’t be 100% even if he plays.

LeRon McClain remains limited with an ankle injury. If the Ravens can’t establish a rushing attack they will be in for a long night.

Samari Rolle is doubtful to play.

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Frank Walker said he‚Äôs prepared for any revenge tactics or consequences stemming from his “slobber moment” during the last game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Walker said he accidentally spat in the mouth of Steelers punter Mitch Berger during a confrontation in the final minutes of the Ravens‚Äô 13-9 loss in Baltimore on Dec. 14. A disgusted, angry Berger didn‚Äôt accept Walker‚Äôs version of events and said he‚Äôs convinced it was intentional.”It doesn‚Äôt even matter, though,” Walker said Wednesday. “It is what it is. I won‚Äôt be hiding, though.” ‚Äì Baltimore Sun

Suggs and Rolle are also bothered by hamstring injuries.

Ed Reed was limited in practice. He has a neck issue that has limited his tackling ability in the open field.

The Steelers have studied a lot of tape on their final scoring drive against the Ravens in week 15. Based on practice today look for the Steelers to spread it out at times against the Ravens. Maybe even early in the game to set the tone and open up the run. The Steelers were successful with crossing routes. Just the vibe from practice but it seems like the Steelers may be very aggressive on their first couple drives.

Ben Roethlisberger is throwing the ball very well for the second straight week. His throws have been precise and on the money. Worked on the deep ball a lot today.