"The Steelers will likely be without veteran receiver Hines Ward for tomorrow's game against the Patriots because of an ankle injury.

Though he is listed as questionable on the Steelers' injury report, Ward did not practice this week. Multiple reports out of Pittsburgh yesterday said it would be highly unlikely if he played.

The Steelers did declare linebackers James Harrison (eye) and Jason Worilds (quadriceps), nose tackle Chris Hoke (neck), and guard Doug Legursky (toe) out. Linebacker James Farrior (calf) is questionable, though he practiced on a limited basis this week.

For the Patriots, linebacker Dane Fletcher (thumb) was declared out, and cornerback Ras-I Dowling (hip) is doubtful. Fletcher did not practice this week; Dowling was on the field for the media-access window Tuesday and did not practice the rest of the week."