Troy Edwards returned to practice for the first time since sustaining a strained hamstring a week ago, but it's not likely he will start Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.
The two may not be connected.
Edwards did not participate in practice yesterday, which typically is the most important one of the week. He took part in all the drills, though he didn't line up with the first team.
Hines Ward, who had five catches for 75 yards in the 23-20 loss at Cleveland, has been working as the starting flanker and likely will start against the Titans.
"It's probably unlikely [he'll start] because he hasn't gone through two complete days [of practice]," Coach Bill Cowher said of Edwards. "But, if he's healthy, we'll get him in the game."
The Steelers would prefer to have Ward start the game because Tennessee plays a lot of different coverages that are hard for young receivers to recognize. With Edwards and No. 1 pick Plaxico Burress, the Steelers have been using two receivers who are still unsure of their route assignments.
"That don't matter," Edwards said, when asked about starting. "Hines played a good game [against Cleveland]. You can't just snatch him up out of there. He's a good player."
Defensive end Chris Sullivan, who came out of the Browns game with back spasms, returned to full-time practice and worked with the first team.
Sullivan said he is feeling better than he did at this time last week and expects to play regularly against the Titans.
"I hope it stays like that," Sullivan said. "I took the whole practice, and it feels pretty good."
Meantime, the other defensive end, Kevin Henry, missed his second practice in a row with strep throat. Henry, however, is expected to practice today and start against the Titans.
Rookie nose tackle Kendrick Clancy thought he was feeling better, well enough that he tried to practice Wednesday for the first time since sustaining a high ankle sprain in the first quarter of the season opener.
But Clancy, the team's third-round pick from Mississippi, worked only briefly before realizing that his ankle was still bothering him. He did not practice yesterday and now says he probably won't play against the Titans. He is listed as questionable on the injury report.
The season-ending injury to Titans wide receiver Kevin Dyson, who sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee during practice Wednesday, means that Yancey Thigpen probably will start against his former team. That is, if Thigpen's healthy.
He has been bothered by a hamstring injury and is listed as questionable on the Titans' injury report. If Thigpen can't play, Tennessee will use speedster Chris Sanders, a former starter.
And one last thing ...
Browns punter Chris Gardocki, who flashed an obscene gesture toward the Steelers sideline after he was hit by linebacker Joey Porter, was fined $5,000 yesterday by the National Football League.
Gardocki apologized to Browns fans and ownership for his gesture, which was caught on television.
Apparently, his contrition carried little weight with the league.
Steelers Report: 9/22/00 
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