Coach Mike Tomlin said today that wide receiver Hines Ward is "doubtful" to play Sunday in Arizona because of a sprained right knee.

He said starting center Sean Mahan also has a sprained knee but that he was more likely to play because he is a lineman, not a receiver. Mahan was fitted with a brace during the game and did not miss a snap.

Rookie tight end Matt Spaeth, the only Steeler with two touchdowns, is probable after missing last week's game with a deep thigh bruise.

Ward's knee was injured in the third quarter of Sunday's game when it was hit by a helmet. Tomlin said he won't rule him out of the game against the Cardinals. The coach provided no other specifics on the two knee sprains.

Ward has missed only three games in his 10-year career. He missed his first game in 2005 with a hamstring injury, ending a streak of games played at 116 and games started at 83. He missed two last season in December because of a hyperextended knee.

Yesterday, he said he was "fine,'' as he walked into the Steelers facility but then walked out with a knee brace and on crutches.

If Mahan cannot play, either rookie center Darnell Stapleton, who was undrafted, or starting right guard Kendall Simmons would replace him.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.