There was a surprise change to the Steelers practice report on Friday.
Safety Troy Polamalu, who has not been on the field since aggravating a calf injury in Week Four, took part in practice in a limited fashion. Polamalu has only played in five quarters this season, but Friday’s development suggests he’ll be able to add to that total before the end of the regular season. It’s unlikely that he’ll be adding to them against the Browns this weekend as Polamalu is listed as doubtful for the game, but that didn’t stop his teammates from feeling good about the change in status.
“It was a Thanksgiving-Christmas gift to see him out there,” safety Will Allen said, via the Associated Press.
Wide receiver Antonio Brown was also a limited participant on Friday and earned a questionable designation for this week’s game. Brown has missed the last two games with a sprained ankle, but he was able to practice a little bit every day this week so he might be able to get back on the field. Jerricho Cotchery has already been ruled out and Plaxico Burress could start his second stint with the team.
Encouraging news for two key Steelers, although we’ll have to wait until closer to kickoff before we know if it translates to the field.