Tomlin: Ward's Knee 'AWESOME!'

TAMPA - Mike Tomlin was asked this morning about the status of Hines Ward's right knee during the media access session at the University of South Florida.

"It's awesome!" Tomlin said, a trace of a smile wafting across his face at the overstatement.

Ward has a sprained MCL. It's the same kind of injury that kept Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson out of last year's AFC Championship game because it's virtually impossible to cut sharply without pain.

"(Whatever happens Sunday), it won't be an excuse for the condition of the knee," said Tomlin.