The Steelers' injury predicament improved over the Labor Day weekend to the point that Coach Bill Cowher expects everyone to be healthy enough to play in the opener at New England a week from tonight.
That includes wide receiver Hines Ward, who hasn't been practicing or playing since he had an appendectomy Aug. 23. Ward won't be there with his teammates today, either, at least not suited up. He will run today and will practice Wednesday when they resume drills, and probably start against the Patriots.
"Hines is doing fine," Cowher said yesterday. "He is probably the one guy who is healthiest of everyone."
Cowher expects the other players who did not play in the exhibition game Thursday night because of injuries will practice today and be able to play in the opener. They include linebacker Kendrell Bell, who missed the past two games with a high ankle sprain, linebacker Clark Haggans (knee) and rookie guard Kendall Simmons (hamstring).
Cowher anticipates listing each as "probable" for the game in New England, although he wants to see how they practice first today.
Ward to play against Patriots 
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