Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, who suffered exactly one month ago today a knee injury that has knocked him out of three games, thinks he's ready to return.
Indeed, Polamalu says he wants to play at Detroit on Sunday.
But he concedes it's not his decision.
"It's all up to coach [Mike] Tomlin," Polamalu said, per the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
But Polamalu has since been listed as doubtful. It technically means he has a 25-percent chance of playing. It means as a practical matter that there won't be a guy with long hair flowing out of his helmet running around like a madman at Ford Field.
Even if he possibly could go, it's a smart move to keep him out. After all, they're playing the Lions.
Running back Willie Parker has an even slimmer chance of playing; he has been ruled out with a toe injury that allowed Rashard Mendenhall to stick a foot in the door last week with 165 rushing yards.
Elsewhere on the Pittsburgh roster, tight end David Johnson (ankle)
is questionable and linebacker Andre Frazier (shoulder) is probable. Guard Chris Kemoeau, who apparently injured an ankle while crushing Chargers defenders to the ground last Sunday, is also probable.
Polamalu wants to play, but it's not his call
Posted by Mike Florio on October 10, 2009 10:05 AM ET
I want to play, too. Seems like its not my call.
Rest up, Troy. We'll need you in December and January.
As for Mendenhall, I got two fantasy teams that are hoping he has another great week after he sat on my bench last week with 30 points.
Keep resting Troy. We need him more for the Vikings game than we do for the Lions game.
Rashard Mendenhall to stick a foot in the door last week with 165 rushing yards.
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I saw him Charge right through that door, leaving the Lights ON!
With Culpepper likely to play, due to the fact they probably will save Stafford for a more winnable game, no reason to play Polamalu at all. Especially with a new bruising running game.
why are there sooo many Steelers who live in Detroit .... this dates all the way back to the 70s????? bizzare
After seeing replays of that injury, I would've never imagined there'd be any talk of him returning just 3 weeks later.
Yes, by all means hurry back.
The season isn't over yet and there is still time for the "Madden Curse" to wreck your season and the Squealers season.
Here's hoping Toothlessberger lobbies to be the cover-boy for Madden 2011...
"Even if he possibly could go, it's a smart move to keep him out. After all, they're playing the Lions."
Yes, the Lions who have a grand total of ONE less win than the Steelers. Not sure why the NFL is even letting this game happen...idiot.
LOVE my Steelers and agree Polamalu and Parker should sit this out. But let's not count our chickens. I'm a big believer in "Any given Sunday" and never celebrate 'til the final whistle blows.
Aw, steeler-hater, why are you always picking on our Big Ben? Maybe they'll put Lewis on the Madden cover next year. He can flex his muscles and give another quote about what a manly man he is. Gee, he does that a lot, doesn't he? I don't mean to insult Ray, but we girls know that when men feel they have to declare all the time what big tough men they are ... well, let's just say confident men don't have to do that.
Deb says:
October 10, 2009 2:27 PM
LOVE my Steelers and agree Polamalu and Parker should sit this out. But let's not count our chickens. I'm a big believer in "Any given Sunday" and never celebrate 'til the final whistle blows.
Aw, steeler-hater, why are you always picking on our Big Ben? Maybe they'll put Lewis on the Madden cover next year. He can flex his muscles and give another quote about what a manly man he is. Gee, he does that a lot, doesn't he? I don't mean to insult Ray, but we girls know that when men feel they have to declare all the time what big tough men they are ... well, let's just say confident men don't have to do that.
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Sorry, but I just think he is vastly overrated. Most of your fellow fans believe this guy is in the same league as Brady or Manning and he simply is not.
He has had the advantage of having such a great defense (and in the past, a very good running game) that he doesn't have to put up numbers like Manning or Brady. The team's success makes him look better than he is. But if you were to put Brady or Manning on this team instead they would have won the last 5 titles in a row instead of just 2.
Deb, you are the only Steeler fan here I can stand. In fact, I like you. But I can't lie to you and tell you I think this guy is an elite QB. I don't think he is. I believe there are at least 5 or 6 better QBs in the NFL right now than him... maybe more. In a lot of ways, I believe he lucked out getting drafted by your team and that any serviceable NFL QB could have led this team to their 2 titles. A better QB like Brady or Manning would have won the last 5.
Sorry, kiddo...