Hampton Expected to Practice This Week; Could Possibly Go vs Pats

With two of the biggest games on the slate coming up for the Steelers, their defense looks like it’s finally on the path to getting healthy.

Mike Tomlin said today that nose tackle Casey Hampton is expected to return to practice, and he could go Sunday if he can have a good week of practice. Hampton has missed the last three games with a shoulder injury, and has been replaced in the lineup by Chris Hoke and Steve McLendon.

“We are going to look hard this week at Hines Ward in terms of his participation and let that be our guide in terms of his readiness along with Casey Hampton,” said Coach Mike Tomlin. “I think Casey Hampton has taken a step. He is scheduled to practice on Wednesday. We’ll see where their participation leads us. We could get him back in the fold and that would be a nice shot in the arm for us upfront defensively.”

Rookie cornerback Curtis Brown has been added to the injury list with back spasms and his availability will be based on how much work he gets in practice.

“We don’t know how that will limit him, but being a young guy if he is limited throughout the week that could affect his potential participation,” said Tomlin. “We believe in reps, particularly reps for young people.”