Steelers WR Ward plans to play in Super Bowl

Jan 21, 2009 - 10:44 PM PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward is confident that his sprained right knee won't prevent him from playing in Super Bowl XLIII.

So confident in fact, that Ward said on Wednesday, "I would play" if the game was scheduled for this Sunday.

"I don't like missing games, but I have two weeks to prepare for the Super Bowl and I won't miss the Super Bowl," Ward said.

Ward and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger were among 10 Pittsburgh players who sat out practice Wednesday.

Head coach Mike Tomlin did not feel particularly concerned by any of the injuries, although he knows he will be pressed on Ward's condition every day.

"I'm going to have to give a daily update on Hines' progresses won't I?" Tomlin said. "Hines is going to play. It's going to be miserable between now and next Sunday, but he'll be there. He did a little bit today. How did he feel in relationship to yesterday? I have no idea."

To Ward's benefit, the Super Bowl showdown with the Arizona Cardinals is scheduled for February 1, giving him added time to recuperate.

"Things feel good," Ward said. "The MRI came out pretty good - where I sprained it was in a good place and it's a great place to heal. I have a whole week off and we'll see what happens next week."

Ward was injured midway through the opening quarter of Sunday's AFC championship game after making an 11-yard reception. His knee appeared to be bent back under him on a tackle by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Frank Walker.

After going to the locker room, Ward returned for another series, catching a short pass before leaving the game for the rest of the first half.

"It's a sprained knee," Ward said. "I could have played in the game, but it was difficult being that it was cold. I really couldn't stay warmed up ... so I just took myself out."

The MVP of Super Bowl XL, Ward is not expected to practice much, if at all, this week, but Tomlin acknowledged how important he is to the offense.

"His spirit, the manner in which he plays the game, his willingness to sacrifice himself for this football team accounts for a lot that we do. It's big," Tomlin said. "But if for some unforeseen reason we are unable to play with him, then the standard of expectation won't change. Somebody will have to step up. He is a big cog in this machine, no doubt."