Sidney Crosby will not play this weekend, despite earlier rumors he might be returning. Crosby will not play in Friday's game against the Dallas Stars, not will he hit the ice Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes, ESPN reported.

Crosby has not commented on his status. Penguins coach Dan Bylsma did not give any further details about when Crosby could return to game action.

There was some positive news for Crosby as he took part in a highly physical practice Thursday.

He shows a great willingness to initiate and go to the net, look for that type of situation, whether it's one-on-one, two-on-one, three-on-two, whether he is expecting to have contact or not, Bylsma told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Crosby hasn't played a game since a pair of hits knocked him out with a concussion last January. His injury has led to increased debate over hits to the head in hockey.

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