"Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu worked lightly for the third day in a row, but he is not expected to play tomorrow in Detroit and likely will return Oct. 18 against the Cleveland Browns.

Also, running back Willie Parker did not practice again yesterday and will not play against the Lions, meaning Rashard Mendenhall will make his second consecutive start. Parker said he likely will be able to return next week against the Browns.

Polamalu said his sprained knee is feeling better, but he has not worked with the first-team defense in practice and, until he does, will not play in a game.

Parker's absence does not necessarily mean the Steelers will re-sign Isaac Redman to the 53-man roster for the Lions, like they did against the San Diego Chargers."