Peter Diana, Post-Gazette Chukky Okobi, who was just a bystander through most of training camp at Saint Vincent College because of a neck injury, returns to practice and could play in the preseason finale Thursday against Carolina. Click photo for larger image.

The Steelers welcomed two injured players back to full-time practice yesterday. Backup Chukky Okobi, who had neck surgery the second week of training camp, and cornerback Deshea Townsend, whose right thumb was broken two weeks ago, could each play in the final exhibition game Thursday night against Carolina at Heinz Field.

"If I practice, I'm ready to play," Townsend said. "Even if it's Carolina, if they want me to play I'll play."

Okobi downplayed talk of making a miracle comeback. The day before Dr. Joseph Maroon performed a diskectomy on his neck, coach Bill Cowher warned it could be career-threatening.

"I don't anticipate any problems," Okobi said. "Dr. Maroon told me everything should be fine. It's probably a 2, 3 percent chance of happening in the first place. It's not a typical injury. The chance of reinjuring it is about the same. So if I reinjure it, that just means I'm cursed."

Okobi does not expect any of his defensive linemen to go easy on him as he returns to practice.

"They might be, but they'll see very quickly that's a mistake."

Ward healing

Hines Ward did not practice again but he had some good news. An MRI Saturday on the hamstring injury that has kept him out most of the summer and each of the three preseason games showed more healing.

Still, he won't play in the game Thursday.

"I am getting better, but I'm not going to force it for one series," Ward said. "We don't need to do that, but it is getting better. I'm encouraged. It just takes time but it felt better."

Ward ran again yesterday and said he will use this week to get his leg better so he can play against Miami in the opener Sept. 7.

Tough decision on Staley

Cowher said halfback Duce Staley did "fine" in the preseason game Friday at Philadelphia, but would not say if Staley is fighting for a roster spot.

"I'm not ready to sit here and say that he isn't or he is," Cowher said. "The bottom line is that we have some tough decisions coming Thursday. I like the experience that he brings and what he's done. He's gotten better each week."

Staley has carried 23 times for 46 yards in three preseason games. He also caught two passes for 7 yards.

Holmes progressing

Rookie receiver Santonio Holmes has progressed rapidly the past few weeks.

"He has gotten better and better, he really has," Cowher said. "The other night he did a lot of really good things. I'm very encouraged by where he's at. Being around his demeanor on game day, I really like it. I think he's going to be fine.

"I can just see the comfort he's getting within this offense. The kid missed all the coaching sessions and came into camp. He fought through some things in camp and I liked that. He had a little bit of a groin issue. I know a couple of days out there, there was a little birdie inside and was probably saying to shut it down but he kept working through it. I respect that."

Eight players released

The Steelers released eight players yesterday and placed one on injured reserve to reach their 75-man roster limit. They will have to make 22 moves by Saturday to get down to 53.

"Going to 75 wasn't a tough cut," Cowher said. "The next one will be. There will be a lot of tough decisions to make."

The team released four rookies -- safety Zach Baker, kicker Mark Brubaker, offensive tackle Nick Hagemann and offensive guard Grayling Love.

Linebacker Malcom Postell of Pitt was released for the second time in 2¹/₂ months. Also released were fullback Doug Easlilck, long snapper Kyle Andrews and wide receiver Isaac West.

Offensive tackle Ulish Booker was placed on injured reserve with a torn ACL in his knee.

After all NFL teams trim their rosters to 53 by 6 p.m. Saturday, each may sign eight players to their practice squad. The Steelers will have nine on that squad, including UK wide receiver Marvin Allen as part of the league's international development program.

Quick hits

Linebacker Joey Porter had tonsillitis and stayed home yesterday. Cowher said he should return today. ... Tight end Jerame Tuman (hamstring) did not practice again. ... Guard Kendall Simmons received a positive report from the head coach on his play at center in Philadelphia and may get another series there Thursday night. ... The first teams are not likely to play much Thursday and some starters may not play at all. ... Cowher said he's not ready to announce his starting free safety.