Hines Ward didn't appreciate it when safety Tyrone Carter went after receiver Nate Washington for throwing the ball in his face. And he got really upset when safety Anthony Smith slammed into wide receiver Willie Reid from behind after making a catch.

But perhaps what really upset Ward, a four-time Pro Bowl receiver, is that none of the Steelers coaches said anything about the defensive backs trying to rough up the receivers during yesterday's afternoon practice at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe.

So Ward did it himself, coming across the field to challenge Smith and the defensive backs for their aggressive behavior.

"It's been happening all day," Ward said. "You do it one time, OK, but you don't keep letting it happen and happen. And if the coaches aren't going to say something about it, then, [heck], maybe a player has to say something about it.

"We're on the same team. We're not the opponent."

Ward was particularly incensed with Smith, a second-year free safety, because he came from behind and hit Reid in the back. Reid, a No. 3 draft choice in 2006, is trying to come back after sustaining a season-ending foot injury last year in Week 5.

It wasn't the first time Smith had slammed into Reid. He did it during Thursday's practice, too, knocking him to the ground with a vicious hit. In both instances, Reid held on to the ball.

"Willie is somebody who is trying to make this team," Ward said. "If he were to get hurt and lose his ACL, now who's going to be the stupid person then? You just got to play smart, man.

"I understand we want to hit each other, but, at the same time, Willie is coming off a foot injury. This is his opportunity to make an impression. If he gets hurt, we lose someone who can be a vital part of the offense and special teams."

Asked about the hits, coach Mike Tomlin said, "It's competition, but that's what training camp is about. You'd much rather say whoa, than sic 'em, so we're having to say whoa a little bit. But the big thing is we remain professional and leave it on the grass.

"It's football. I know at times tempers are going to flare, that's part of it. But part of us building this team is understanding and controlling our emotions, too, because they're going to flare in the fall. It's also about the ability to take some blows and catch balls and bounce up. Willie Reid is showing us he doesn't have any fear, he will catch balls in traffic. He's distinguishing himself because of some of the things that are happening. But it can't get out of hand."

Welcome back

Wide receiver Santonio Holmes participated in individual drills for the first time and will participate in a full practice today -- his first since training camp began.

Holmes, last year's No. 1 draft choice, has not practiced because of an undisclosed non-football-related surgical procedure.

"Just getting the opportunity to get back on the field felt good," Holmes said. "I'm tired of sitting around and watching."

Injury update

Outside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (groin) missed afternoon practice for the third day in a row and Tomlin said he is day-to-day. ... Rookie tight end Matt Spaeth (shoulder) also did not practice, but Tomlin said the injury is nothing serious.

Bouncing back

Reid is aware not many players return successfully from the injury that effectively wiped out his rookie season -- a mid-foot sprain more commonly known as a Lisfranc injury.

The injury is often misdiagnosed because it can vary from a sprain to dislocation or fracture. Symptoms include pain, swelling and the inability to bear weight.

Reid, a third-round choice in 2006, appeared in just one game last season, before sustaining the season-ending foot injury in Week 5 in San Diego.

But he said he is completely recovered from the injury and looking forward to returning punts this season -- something he did in record-setting fashion at Florida State.

"A lot of guys aren't the same after that injury," Reid said. "I'm happy with my progress. My quickness, speed ... everything is fine. I'm looking forward to having the opportunity to get there and show the people I can do the things they brought me here to do."

Give me a break

More than a few players are wondering when they will get an off day under Tomlin.

The Steelers have an afternoon practice scheduled for today -- a rare Sunday practice for most of the veteran players. Former coach Bill Cowher rarely practiced on Sunday once two-a-day sessions began at training camp, usually giving the players off.

The Steelers do not have their first day off until Aug. 6, the day after their preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints in Canton, Ohio.

According to NFL Players Association guidelines, coaches are not required to give an off day at training camp until the team plays its first preseason game.

Ladies day

There might not be a morning practice today for the Steelers, but that doesn't mean there won't be players on the field.

Nearly 300 female Steelers fans will participate in the annual Women's Training Camp 101, sponsored by the American Respiratory Alliance, beginning at 8 a.m.

They will be instructed by former players Jon Kolb, Louis Lipps, Mike Wagner and Dwight White, along with current punters Daniel Sepulveda and Mike Barr.

The day will also include dinner and afternoon practice -- watching afternoon practice, that is.