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PITTSBURGH -- Three starters are expected to be out of the lineup when the Pittsburgh Steelers face the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions Sunday: linebacker LaMarr Woodley, defensive end Brett Keisel and guard Ramon Foster. Andre Ethier Jersey . They all missed Fridays practice, Foster with an ankle injury, Woodley with a calf problem and Keisel with a foot injury. None practiced this week. On the injury report Friday, the Steelers listed Woodley as doubtful, while Foster and Keisel were questionable. Foster and Keisel were unavailable for comment Friday, but Woodley answered questions after practice. "I feel pretty good, so I think Ill be set to go on Sunday," Woodley said with a grin on his face that could be compared to a cat staring at an empty canary cage. "I wasnt out there all week, but Im resting it up for Sunday." Woodley believed because there were two days remaining before the game, there was a "great chance" for him to be available. Its highly unlikely; players who dont practice Friday generally do not play in the ensuing game. If Woodley cannot play, Jason Worilds would move from right to left outside linebacker. And rookie Jarvis Jones would start on the right side. Veteran Guy Whimper will start for Foster at left guard, while Ziggy Hood will play for Keisel at right end. "I guess its going to be a game-time decision," Whimper said. "Whoever is out there, they have to be ready to play. Ive been playing left guard in practice this week, and Ramon has been doing his rehab. So Im working hard, and Ill be prepared to start if need be. I prepare myself to start every week." Thats what happened the previous week, as Whimper practiced at right tackle for Marcus Gilbert. When the game began against Buffalo, Gilbert was on the field. "They thought Gil would be ready to go earlier in the week, but they thought he just needed some rest," Whimper said. "So he got some work in practice (Friday) and was ready to go when they called his number to start the game. (But) its a long season in the NFL, and injuries are part of it. Guys get banged up, and whoever is in a backup role has to be ready to step up." Gilbert has been battling a high-ankle sprain, but he played against Buffalo and didnt miss any time this week. He was limited early in the week, along with left tackle Kelvin Beachum (hip), right guard David DeCastro (ankle) and tackle-extra tight end Mike Adams (ribs). Center Fernando Velasco (knee) did not practice Wednesday, but returned Thursday along with the rest of the group to a full practice. "I think this week is better than last week, actually, as far as the O-line coming together," Gilbert said. "We werent sure about a couple guys last week, but we got almost everybody back (Thursday), and well see about Ramon. He worked hard in rehab, and with a little rest this week he could be ready to play. "Ramons a real tough guy and a durable guy, and hell play if he can go. But if he cant go, we always have Abdullah (Whimper). Hell be ready, and hes done a good job at a number of positions for us. So, as long as we dont have any setbacks, the rest of the line should be all right to play against Detroit." NOTES: Rookie safety Shamarko Thomas has a high-ankle sprain and is out indefinitely. He was injured last week against the Bills. ... Adams, Beachum, DeCastro, Gilbert, Velasco and Heath Miller (not injury related) are probable.Brian Wilson Authentic Jersey . Convincing evidence came in the way the Blue Devils kept their focus in a win over Georgia Tech. Jabari Parker had 16 points and 14 rebounds, and No. Babe Herman Dodgers Jersey . The 38-year-old veteran batted .235 in 88 games for Toronto last season his lone year as a Blue Jay.ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Caris LeVert had 14 points and a career-high 11 rebounds for his first career double-double, and No. 10 Michigan beat Purdue 75-66 on Thursday night, extending its winning streak to 10. Nik Stauskas scored 16 points and Derrick Walton added 14 for the Big Ten leaders. The Wolverines (16-4, 8-0) shot 61 per cent from the field against a Purdue team that had held its previous five opponents under 42. The Boilermakers (13-8, 3-5) were led by A.J. Hammons, who had 16 points and eight rebounds. Michigan was coming off three straight wins over top-10 teams, and there was no letdown at home against Purdue. LeVert has been one of the Big Tens most improved players this season, and the wiry sophomore showed he can mix it up around the basket against Purdue. After playing 39 minutes in Saturdays win at Michigan State -- and finishing with eight rebounds to match what was then his career high -- he went right back to work Thursday. The 6-foot-6 LeVert went 5 of 11 from the field, and in addition to leading both teams in rebounding, he also added two assists, two blocks and three steals. Walton, meanwhile, has looked increasingly comfortable after a quiet starrt to his freshman season.Fernando Valenzuela Dodgers Jersey. The Michigan point guard went 6 of 7 from the field against Purdue, helping take some of the pressure off Stauskas. The Wolverines turned the ball over eight times in the first half in an uncharacteristically sloppy display, but they led 37-29 at halftime after Waltons driving layup in the final seconds. Michigan made nine of its first 11 shots in the second half and led 56-41 after a jumper by Walton. It was 60-52 after Hammons dunked on Stauskas and drew a foul with 8:59 to play, but he missed the free throw and Michigans Zak Irvin connected from 3-point range at the other end. Purdue had been 78-4 under coach Matt Painter when finishing with more rebounds and fewer turnovers than the opponent. But the Boilermakers did both those things Thursday and lost anyway. Michigans sharp shooting was simply too much to overcome. Bryson Scott had 12 points for the Purdue and Ronnie Johnson added 11. Jordan Morgan had 11 points and six rebounds for Michigan -- another impressive performance for the senior who has helped the Wolverines withstand the loss of star big man Mitch McGary, who is out indefinitely with a back injury. wholesale nfl jerseys wholesale jerseys ' ' ' |
