The Steelers were able to beat the Jets 27-10 despite the absence of two defensive starters and it’s not yet clear whether they will have them back for their next game.
Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that the team will evaluate the status of linebacker James Harrison and safety Troy Polamalu at practice every day this week after both of them were unable to practice or play last week. It’s basically a continuation of the way they handled the injuries leading up the Jets game.
The defense held up just fine without Harrison and Polamalu last week, shutting down the Jets offense after giving up 10 points on New York’s first two drives. With the Raiders up next and then a bye, it wouldn’t be too surprising if the team held the two vets out another week in hopes of bringing the two veterans back at 100 percent following the bye. Given the chronic nature of Harrison’s knee injury and the potential for Polamalu’s calf injury to become one, that might prove to be the safest course of action.
Tomlin also said that the team anticipates tight end Heath Miller, running back Jonathan Dwyer and tackle Marcus Gilbert being limited when the team resumes practicing on Wednesday.