Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward is "highly unlikely" to play Sunday against New England because of an ankle injury, a league source told NFL Network's Albert Breer on Friday.
Ward, who did not practice all week, is officially listed as questionable after telling NFL Network on Wednesday that he did not suffer the dreaded high ankle sprain and pointing at the absence of a walking boot as an indication of his progress.
"It will take a lot," Ward said Wednesday when asked about potentially missing the New England game. "I don't particularly like missing any ball games. But at the same time, you have to be smart. For me, I'm going to work my tail off to get back on the field."
Linebacker James Harrison, who has been sidelined since suffering a broken eye socket on Oct 2, will not play again. The Steelers also ruled out defensive tackle Chris Hoke (neck), guard Doug Legursky (toe) and linebacker Jason Worilds (quad). Linebacker James Farrior (calf) was listed as questionable.
Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo (knee) is expected to have a shot to play, a league source told Breer. Mayo has been limited in practice this week.
Patriots defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (back), running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis (toe) and offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer (back) were all listed as questionable after being limited in practice this week.
Rookie cornerback Ras-I Dowling (hip) was listed as doubtful after missing the last two practices.
For a complete look at all injuries around the league, go to NFL.com's injury page.