"The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without wide receiver Hines Ward when they face the New England Patriots on Sunday, NFL Network's Albert Breer reports.

Ward, who did not practice all week, was officially listed as questionable with a sprained ankle. He denied speculation that he was battling a high ankle sprain this week, pointing out that he was not using a walking boot. Nevertheless, the Steelers won't have their most dependable possession receiver in Week 8."