PITTSBURGH -- Sammie Coates was a limited participant in Friday's practice, which might be just enough to crack the lineup for Sunday against Miami.
The Pittsburgh Steelers receiver is listed as questionable. The Steelers will monitor that left hand laceration that required multiple stitches after last week's 31-13 win over the Jets.
Coates sounds ready to play through the pain.
"It's going to swell because it's not healed all the way," Coates said. "It's part of the game. ... Can't be worried. You have to play football. You have to be a pro."
Coates has become a vital piece of the Steelers' offense after five straight games with at least one catch of 40 or more yards. Last week was Coates' breakout moment, shrugging off multiple drops to record 139 yards and two scores against the Jets.
Coates' presence in the locker room Friday might be a good sign for Sunday. Teammates Arthur Moats and Steven Johnson made jokes behind Coates as he smiled through his interview with media. The atmosphere was very loose. That might not mean much, but Moats probably wouldn't tease Coates about "playing with five fingers" unless his chances to play were good.
The Steelers are prepared to promote practice squad receiver Cobi Hamilton if necessary, but Coates would give the Steelers four healthy receivers.
