"The Steelers' situation at receiver looks better Friday than it did earlier this week.

Hines Ward and Jerricho Cotchery practiced Thursday and are expected both to play Sunday in Cincinnati.

Ward was knocked out of last week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens with concussion-like symptoms. Cotchery didn't practice Wednesday because of a knee injury.

"They're getting better, and it looks like they're going to make it," Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said.

The Steelers don't have much margin for injury at the position.

Emmanuel Sanders recently had minor knee surgery and is expected to miss two to three weeks. Arnaz Battle, the special teams captain, has yet to practice because of a hamstring injury."