Steelers expecting Parker, Polamalu on Sunday but not Smith
As if the Pittsburgh Steelers will need much help in beating the Cleveland Browns this Sunday, the world champs are expecting Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu and running back Willie Parker back in action.
Polamalu and Parker are slated to practice Wednesday, and Coach Mike Tomlin sounded optimistic that the Steelers will have both players for the game against the Browns, who are 14-point dogs on WagerWeb.com. Polamalu hasn’t played since the Steelers’ season opener on Sept. 10 because of a sprained knee but did return to practice last week. Parker has missed the last two games because of turf toe. Their status for Sunday’s game will be determined later in the week, said Tomlin, so both will be considered day to day.
“It will be really interesting to see how they respond Thursday,” Tomlin said of Polamalu and Parker.
However, the news is not all good for Pittsburgh. Defensive end Aaron Smith suffered a potentially significant injury in Sunday’s win over Detroit. Smith is still being evaluated but could be out for an extended period.
His loss can’t be overstated, as when Smith he suffered a season-ending injury against New England in 2007, the Steelers lost three of their remaining four games — including a home playoff loss to Jacksonville.
The Steelers believe Smith is the best 3-4 scheme defensive end in football. Smith has 13 tackles and two sacks in five games and also blocked a field goal attempt during the Steelers’ 13-10 victory over Tennessee on Sept. 10. He has been with the Steelers longer than any player except wide receiver Hines Ward and defensive back Deshea Townsend.
If Smith is unable to play Sunday the Steelers will use a rotation of Travis Kirschke, Ziggy Hood and Nick Eason, Tomlin said.
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