Roethlisberger sits out practice again

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger missed practice again Thursday because of a sore right shoulder, with Charlie Batch running the starting offense in his place.

On Tuesday, Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin said Roethlisberger’s problem wasn’t a major one and, “I don’t want to make more out of it than what it is.”

The Steelers haven’t updated Roethlisberger’s condition since then. Tomlin said Roethlisberger’s status would be updated today.

It is common for Steelers players who have relatively minor injuries to miss a day or two of practice, then take part in the final practice of the week Friday and play on Sunday.

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Philip Rivers hobbled through half of practice, increasing the chances he’ll play in Sunday’s home game against Detroit.

“That’s the plan, but it’s not Sunday,” Rivers said. “We don’t have to know right now.”

Rivers said his sprained left knee is getting better. He took half his normal snaps a day after taking none.

Tight end Antonio Gates missed practice for the second straight day, along with defensive tackle Jamal Williams.

“Antonio’s a lot better today than he was yesterday and I would hope he can do parts of practice tomorrow,” Turner said. “He’s getting a lot better. If he progresses the way he has over the last two days, then I think he’ll be all right.”

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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin participated in part of practice and was upbeat about his chances of playing in Sunday’s game at New Orleans.

Boldin, already slowed by a hip injury, sat out Sunday’s loss at Seattle with a dislocated toe on his left foot. He has worn a protective boot most of the time since he was hurt in the previous week’s home victory over Cleveland.

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Tennessee defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth missed a second consecutive day of practice as he rested his sore right hamstring.

“He did not practice today, but I think he’s getting better,” Coach Jeff Fisher said. “We have not ruled him out for the game. I think he’s better at this time this week than he was last week.”

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The New England Patriots put backup defensive lineman Mike Wright on injured reserve with a foot injury, meaning he will miss the remainder of the season. Wright has played in nine games for the Patriots this season and has 12 tackles.

The Patriots also signed tight end Stephen Spach, who has previously played for the Eagles and Vikings.

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The NFL will hear the appeal by the players’ union on behalf of suspended Titans cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones by telephone today.

A person familiar with details of Jones’ appeal told the Associated Press of the hearing, but requested anonymity because the scheduling has not been officially announced.

The NFL declined to comment when asked if the appeal would be heard Friday.