Wednesday's practice came and went and the latest injury report is out. For the Arizona Cardinals, it was smaller than it has been in past weeks. Todd Heap still did not practice because of his hamstring and Kerry Rhodes is out because of his broken foot, but they were the only players who did not practice.
Tight end Jim Dray practiced for the first time in weeks. His pectoral injury has hampered him since the last preseason game. Joey Porter was the only other Cardinals player who missed any practice. He was limited in practice and Kent Somers suggested that it was a veterans day off for Porter. Punter Dave Zastudil was listed but practiced fully.
On the Steelers' side of things, they have a slew of players that did not practice at all. DT Casey Hampton (shoulder), LB James Harrison (eye), T Chris Hoke (neck), G Doug Legursky (toe), DE Aaron Smith (foot), WR Mike Wallace (hamstring), WR Hines Ward (not injury related) were all out. S Troy Polamalu passed his concussion tests and practiced.
From what I understand, Harrison is not expected to play on Sunday. Wallace being hurt would be a big blow to the Pittsburgh offense.
As for Porter's limited practice time, Somers noted that it is not uncommon for him to have time off. He is hurt, make no mistake. Rookie Ryan Williams tweeted this morning that he rehabs with Porter every morning.
@lilsweetness34
Ru 'Ryan' Williams My highlight of evy mornin is doin rehab next to peezy....dis foo is funnnyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
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We know that Porter wore down last season, but he has not been very effective this season. I understand resting him, but this isn't exactly Steve Nash, who is the Phoenix Suns' star. Porter isn't giving the defense much. In fact, you might say that his missing reps in practice, no matter how experienced he is, could be contributing to the defensive issues with communication that Darnell Dockett mentioned on Monday.
At this point, what do you think about Porter's periodic resting. He does have an injury, but it doesn't keep him out of games. Do we even need to care because he is over the hill, or do you think that his "veteran's days off" are hurting the team defense?