According to Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley is lobbying hard to return for this weekend's pivotal AFC North game with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Following a hamstring injury against the New England Patriots, the expectation was that Woodley would sit for two games (Ravens and Bengals) and return after next week's bye.

The last time the Steelers played the Bengals, Woodley posted an interception return for a touchdown and two quarterback sacks.

Also wide receiver Hines Ward is "doing fine" according to head coach Mike Tomlin after Ward was pulled last week dealing with "concussion-like symptoms." Hopefully both will return. We want both teams at full strength so the excuses are limited to "thank you, sir. May I have another?"

Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders will be out a couple of weeks after having his knee scoped on Monday. Sanders is the fifth-leading receiver with 18 receptions this year. However before missing last week against the Ravens, Sanders posted 10 receptions for 116 yards receiving and a touchdown combined against the Patriots and Cardinals.