ReutersAs important as getting Ben Roethlisberger back at some point will be, the Steelers have also missed safety Troy Polamalu considerably.
And while they’re not sure he’s going to be full strength, there are signs they’ll get Polamalu back in some fashion this week.
He practiced fully on Wednesday and Thursday, the first time he’s done so since aggravating a calf injury on Oct. 7.
“I don’t think he will be able to be out there every snap, but he is going to be able to take a significant role,” Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau said, via Alan Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “He has been idle for a good while. … He is in good shape. His aerobic conditioning is good, but I think his football conditioning needs some development.”
Anything they can get out of him will be good, as his leadership on defense has been missed as much as Roethlisberger’s on offense.
Polamalu said he was “very excited” to be back in practice this week, and hasn’t enjoyed having to watch.
“There’s a reason why the Steelers don’t have cheerleaders,” Polamalu said. “I’m not on the sidelines cheering. I’m a football player.”
At least he’s closer to being one this week, if not a full-time one.
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He gets to hold the clipboard made of gold this week!
Welcome back, Troy P!
More significant than shampoo commercials? Nahh, this overrated, decling talent, old tymer will be nothing but a glorified bench warmer.
i hope we see the old Poly, a one handed diving interception !
What’s a decling talent?
Guy is a first ballot hall of fame player tho…
Ravens and every other opponent will target and test him every play he’s in. There should be concerns regarding the amount of game and practice time he’s missed and the type of injury as to his speed and quickness. His instincts should still be intact, but can they translate from the brain to the feet as needed.
They’re already the #1 defense in the league. Maybe Troy can generate some turnovers.
Unless Polalalamalu can make the switch to offense, it’s not gonna matter.
Test Troy? Ok let’s see how that works out for ya then….
He’ll be totally flying around the bench out there.
hope he plays alot, he is consistantly out of position and getting burnt. But the announcers will continue to say “he was so close to make a big play” close doesn’t count.
Tag’im and bag’im, he’s washed up.
As a Steeler fan i have no faith in him… he’ll be hurt by half time…
I wish him the best but I think he’s done.
I suppose I still gotta play Arizona d/st over Pittsburgh
Between the shampoo commercials and the fact that his contract was restructured and paid in full, Troy’s made some real coin for being nothing but a body on a bench. Bet the steeler organization loves this move now.
Significant role in getting torched by TORREY an Joey all day. BOOM.
I’ve been a fan of his, but it’s pretty clearly over for him. The Steelers can’t afford to keep paying the salary he’s getting, and keeping his roster spot open, for a guy who can only play 6 or 7 games a year. He’s too hurt too often, and for his own good he should hang ‘em up.
haha look how many raven fans hate polalu. rightfully so, he has ruined their chances in the play offs since 2003.
Polamalu is Ravens kryptonite!!!!
Keep hatin’ raven fans I’d be mad too if he kept knocking my 9ERS outta the playoffs.
Its good to have Troy back! But after watching Manning orchestrate the Bronco’s game and totally expose the whole steeler teams weaknesses was like reading a children’s book where everything was in pictures with great big letters!
Wish Ben was playing! If he’s not on the ground holding his ankle up in the air – the play is still alive! He always makes the games exciting! Although, the Steelers can not beat us at HOME! Our players and fans will no longer let that happen.