Pittsburgh Steelers WR Hines Ward exited last Sunday's game against the New England Patriots with what is now being called a concussion and did not return. Ward told reporters after the game he felt he could come back and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said this week that Ward could have played but they're not taking any chances.
Hines Ward Injury Will Not Keep Him Out Of Pittsburgh Steelers Vs. Oakland Raiders Game
“I think we’re all pretty familiar with the climate that we’re in, in regards to concussions,” Tomlin said at his weekly news conference. “Sometimes, you’ve got to protect the extreme competitors from themselves, and Hines is that. We love and respect him for that, but we had to act in his best interests.”
Whether he could have played or not, news of Ward's concussion means he will be subjected to a battery of concussion tests, which he passed to start the week. That means he is expected to be ready to face the Raiders on Sunday. Tomlin said that the Steelers would keep an eye on Ward throughout the week and if he doesn't experience any problems will likely play on Sunday.
Surprisingly, the Steelers and Raiders one is an important one within the AFC North and the AFC as a whole since the Raiders are in first place. The Steelers likely will want to be at full strength and Ward is a big part of that.
Check out Behind The Steel Curtain for more Steelers news.
See More:
