Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward says he will play next weekend against the Oakland Raiders after sustaining a concussion this past Monday night in a loss against the New England Patriots. Head coach Mike Tomlin has said that Ward has already passed a series of post-concussion tests. Ward felt he should have been allowed to return to the game after sustaining the concussion."It's football. You get your bell rung," Ward said. "It's my body. I feel like if I want to go back out there, I feel like I should have the right." Ward stumbled while being helped off the field by trainers. "If I don't stumble, I'm right back in the game, but prideful me, I'm trying to get off the field quick," Ward said. "I should have laid there another minute or so." According to the NFL Network's Jason La Canfora, Ward will practice fully this week.

Fantasy Analysis:

Ward is as tough as they come but he isn't putting up much of a fantasy impact this season. Ward has been limited to 30 receptions for 375 yards and four touchdowns. The Steelers offense revolves around running back Rashard Mendenhall this season but quarterback Ben Roethlisberger needs to continue to improve since returning from suspension. The Steelers are winning, but their offensive output has been extremely limited. Pittsburgh is ranked 24th in offense, averaging 313.6 yards on offense per game. They are also tied for fourth worst in the NFL in 1st downs per game. Ward's downturn in receiving production is the problem as teams are simply shutting him down. For fantasy purposes, Ward is essentially a non-factor unless things wildly change for him.