December 30
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Strong safety Troy Polamalu ran on his injured left knee today and Monday though coach Mike Tomlin did not sound optimistic that the five-time Pro Bowler will play Sunday in a must-win game for the Steelers. "The door is not closed on his participating," Tomlin said today at his weekly news conference. "Yesterday, I think, was a positive step." Polamalu has missed six consecutive games because of a strained posterior collateral ligament (PCL). Tomlin said Polamalu needs to show he can cut on the knee he has injured twice this season to play against the Dolphins."
December 30
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Strong safety Troy Polamalu and wide receiver Hines Ward are working toward playing Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. Whether either is healthy enough to play in the regular-season finale remains to be seen, though coach Mike Tomlin sounded more optimistic about Ward, who is nursing hamstring injuries in both legs. Polamalu has missed six consecutive games with a strained posterior collateral ligament. He has done some straight-line running the past two days with an eye toward playing against the Dolphins. "He's just progressing, trying to get ready, hopefully to play," Tomlin said of Polamalu at his weekly news conference. "The door's not closed on him participating.""
December 30
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Strong safety Troy Polamalu and wide receiver Hines Ward are working toward playing Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. Whether either is healthy enough to play in the regular-season finale remains to be seen, though coach Mike Tomlin sounded more optimistic about Ward, who is nursing hamstring injuries in both legs. Polamalu has missed six consecutive games with a strained posterior collateral ligament. He has done some straight-line running the past two days with an eye toward playing against the Dolphins. "He's just progressing, trying to get ready, hopefully to play," Tomlin said of Polamalu at his weekly news conference. "The door's not closed on him participating.""
December 26
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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The Steelers will be without strong safety Troy Polamalu and left guard Chris Kemoeatu when they play the Ravens at Heinz Field. Polamalu (knee) did not practice all week and will miss his sixth consecutive game. Kemoeatu (wrist) will miss his second consecutive game. The two along with cornerback Keenan Lewis (back) have been ruled out of Sunday's 1 p.m. game between the AFC North rivals. Outside linebacker James Harrison has been listed as questionable against the Ravens."
December 26
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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As expected, Steelers' All-Pro strong safety Troy Polamalu will miss his sixth consecutive game because of a strained posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Polamalu didn't practice all week, and the Steelers have ruled him out for their 1 p.m. game Sunday against the visiting Ravens. The Steelers may have another injury issue on defense, as outside linebacker James Harrison didn't practice Friday because of a biceps injury. Harrison, who leads the Steelers with 10 sacks, is listed as questionable for the game that the Steelers need to win to remain a viable playoff contender. Starting defensive end Brett Keisel (neck) practiced for the second straight day yesterday. He is listed as ..."
December 24
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Troy Polamalu, who has missed the last five games with a strained PCL in his left knee, looks like a long shot at best to play Sunday against the visiting Ravens. The news is more encouraging for the Steelers' beat-up wide receiving corps as Hines Ward and Mike Wallace both said they will play in the 1 p.m. game. Polamalu recently had an MRI taken on the knee that he has injured twice this season and said the results were "encouraging." He didn't sound optimistic about returning to the field for the must-win game for the Steelers. Polamalu is not practicing today and he said he doesn't anticipate practicing this week. When asked if he needs to practice on the knee before playing a game, ..."
December 23
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Troy Polamalu, who has missed the last five games with a strained posterior collateral ligament in his left knee, looks like a long shot at best to play Sunday against the visiting Ravens. The news is more encouraging for the Steelers' beat-up wide receiving corps as Hines Ward and Mike Wallace both said they will play in the 1 p.m. game. Polamalu recently had an MRI taken on the knee that he has injured twice this season and said the results were "encouraging." He didn't sound optimistic about returning to the field for the must-win game for the Steelers. Polamalu is not practicing today and he said he doesn't anticipate practicing this week. When asked if he needs to practice on the knee ..."
December 23
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Steelers safety Troy Polamalu could return to the lineup against the Baltimore Ravens if the results from Tuesday's MRI on his knee are positive, coach Mike Tomlin said. Tomlin, who has been optimistic about Polamalu's possible return at various times this season, is taking a wait-and-see approach. Polamalu has missed the past five games and has appeared in only five contests this season. "The result of his MRI is going to dictate what direction we take, like it has in recent weeks," Tomlin said."
December 16
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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As expected, the Steelers will be without All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu on Sunday against Green Bay, and coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that left guard Chris Kemoeatu also will miss the game. Kemoeatu has been battling right knee and right wrist injuries. "It is an accumulation of injuries that has really rendered his play ineffective," Tomlin said. Kemoeatu missed the Baltimore game Nov. 28 because of a strained MCL but returned against Oakland and Cleveland. "We have a great deal of admiration for his willingness to play amid the circumstances," Tomlin said, "but just because he is willing doesn't mean it is the right thing to do." Undrafted rookie free agent Ramon Foster will start in ..."
December 15
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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It was already suspected that the Steelers will be without All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu Sunday against Green Bay, but Coach Mike Tomlin said today that they will also be without left guard Chris Kemoeatu. Kemoeatu has been battling through right knee and right wrist injuries the past couple weeks that has hindered his play. "It is an accumulation of injuries that has really rendered his play ineffective," said Tomlin during his weekly press conference. Kemoeatu missed the Baltimore game on Nov. 28 because of a strained MCL, but returned against Oakland and Cleveland. "When you look at this guy, it is really a guy who is playing one-sided," Tomlin said. "We have a great deal of admiration ..."
December 15
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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If the reeling Steelers are going to right themselves Sunday against visiting Green Bay, they likely will do so without All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu. Polamalu said Monday that the knee injury he sustained Nov. 15 is worse than initially thought and that he might not be healthy enough to return until the regular-season finale Jan. 3. "Hopefully by the Miami game, I'll be ready to play," said Polamalu, who strained the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in his left knee in an 18-12 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. What seems clear is Polamalu can't be depended on to be a short-term fix for a team in the midst of its first five-game losing streak since 2003. The Steelers have been a different ..."
December 9
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu has been ruled out for Thursday night's game because of a knee injury but wide receiver Hines Ward may play against the Browns. Ward, who sustained a mild hamstring pull near the end of the Steelers' 27-24 loss to the Raiders, practiced today on a limited basis. He is listed by the Steelers as questionable for the game against the Browns. With Ward's availablity a question, the Steelers added depth to their wide receiver corps by promoting rookie Tyler Grisham from the practice squad to their 53-man roster. The Steelers released quarterback Tyler Palko to make room for Grisham. In other injury news, cornerback William Gay is listed as questionable for ..."
December 8
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Major changes could be coming to the Steelers as they try to snap a four-game losing streak and salvage their season. Coach Mike Tomlin said today he will evaluate all aspects of his team and strongly hinted that changes will be made to the starting lineup and particularly at cornerback. "We can't stay status quo in terms of how we're approaching this thing and expect the pattern of behavior and outcomes to change," Tomlin said today at his weekly news conference. "That's unrealistic, that's hoping. I'm not a hope-mentality person." Asked how changes would go over on a veteran-laden team, Tomlin said, "I think they understand it and I think to a degree they'll agree with me." The 6-6 ..."
December 8
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward appears to be a longshot to play in the Steelers' 8:20 p.m. game Thursday at Cleveland. Ward sustained a mild hamstring pull near the end of Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Oakland Raiders. The short week for the Steelers does not bode well for the 12th-year veteran playing against the Browns. "Not favorable for him," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. Strong safety Troy Polamalu (knee) will almost certainly miss his fourth consecutive game. Polamalu has missed the past three games with a strained posterior collateral ligament (PCL) in his left knee. Tomlin said, "I don't think he's going to be able to play in this football game.""
December 4
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Strong safety Troy Polamalu (knee) didn't practice Thursday, and he is not expected to play Sunday against the visiting Oakland Raiders. The Steelers may also be without defensive end Travis Kirscke (calf) who has yet to practice this week despite playing in last Sunday's 20-17 overtime loss to the Ravens. If Kirschke is unable to go Sunday, Nick Eason would likely start at left defensive end and share time with rookie Ziggy Hood. » Left guard Chris Kemoeatu again was a full participant in practice yesterday. He appears to be on track to play against the Raiders after missing the Steelers' last game with a medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear in his left knee."
December 2
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Coach Mike Tomlin said strong safety Troy Polamalu (knee) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the visiting Oakland Raiders. Polamalu has missed the past two games with a strained posterior collateral ligament (PCL) in his left knee. Tomlin said the five-time Pro Bowler is "still a week or so away." Left guard Chris Kemoeatu (knee) will try to practice today on a limited basis, Tomlin said, and he could play Sunday. Other Steelers who could be limited in practice this week include defensive end Travis Kirschke (calf), running back Mewelde Moore (ankle) and return specialist Stefan Logan (ribs). » After making his first career start Sunday, quarterback Dennis Dixon is expected to go back ..."
November 28
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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For the second game in a row -- and sixth time this season -- Steelers safety Troy Polamalu will be sidelined because of a knee injury. Polamalu, quarterback Charlie Batch (wrist) and guard Chris Kemoeatu (knee) are out for Sunday's 8:20 p.m. game at Baltimore. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (concussion) is listed as questionable but is expected to start. Roethlisberger fully participated in each of the team's three practices this week. He was cleared by the medical staff and said he will play."
November 27
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Steelers safety Troy Polamalu didn't practice today and is unlikely to play Sunday night against the Baltimore Ravens. Polamalu didn't play against the Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday because of a strained ligament in his left knee. Defensive end Travis Kirschke, who missed the last three games because of a strained calf, said after practice today that he will play against Baltimore. Kirschke is expected to start."
November 27
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Troy Polamalu didn't practice Thursday and is unlikely to play Sunday in Baltimore. Polamalu didn't play against the Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday because of a strained ligament in his left knee. Left guard Chris Kemoeatu (knee) and quarterback Charlie Batch (wrist) are already out for the 8:20 p.m. game against the Ravens. Defensive end Travis Kirschke's status for the game is uncertain as he again was a limited participant in practice. Kirschke has missed the Steelers' last three games because of a strained calf."
November 25
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Strong safety Troy Polamalu is "questionable at best" to play against the Ravens on Sunday night, said coach Mike Tomlin, while the Steelers have already ruled out left guard Chris Kemoeatu for the 8:20 p.m. game. Polamalu strained the posterior collateral ligament (PCL) in his left knee in an 18-12 loss to the Bengals, and the five-time Pro Bowler didn't play last Sunday in Kansas City. Kemoeatu left the Steelers' 27-24 loss to the Chiefs with a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee. Rookie Ramon Foster will start at left guard while Kemoeatu is sidelined. The Steelers could get starting defensive end Travis Kirschke (calf) back this week. Tomlin said Kirschke, who ..."
November 21
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu and defensive end Travis Kirschke missed today's practice and will not play in Sunday's 1 p.m. game at Kansas City. Polamalu (knee) and Kirschke (calf) missed practice all week. Normally, when a player misses Friday's practice, he isn't expected to play."
November 19
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Safety Troy Polamalu, who did not practice Wednesday, was not permitted to speak to the media about his injured left knee. Spokesman Dave Lockett informed the media that questions about Polamalu's injury would not be answered by Polamalu, who attended practice wearing a cumbersome brace on his leg that stretched from his shin to the middle of his calf. • Put Ryan Clark down as one player who wouldn't have been very happy if his coach went for it on a fourth-and-2 in their own territory late in the game, like New England's Bill Belichick did Sunday against the Colts. "Our guys would've been extremely (mad)," Clark said. "We all have a little bit of an ego defensively. But when said he guys ..."
November 18
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Troy Polamalu almost certainly won't play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, but the Steelers probably couldn't have gotten much better news on the knee that the All-Pro safety re-injured earlier this week. Polamalu strained the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the Steelers' 18-12 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He sprained the medial collateral ligament in that same knee Sept. 10. Much to the relief of the Steelers, an MRI showed that Polamalu, who left the Bengals game near the end of the first quarter, did not damage the MCL again. Coach Mike Tomlin said Polamalu's status for the 1 p.m. game Sunday is "questionable at best," but he added that the five-time Pro ..."
November 17
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Troy Polamalu is unlikely to play Sunday in Kansas City but the strong safety is not expected to be sidelined for a significant period of time after re-injuring his left knee in the Steelers' 18-12 loss to the Bengals. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Polamalu sustained a sprain of his posterior cruciate ligament in the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals. The injury, Tomlin said, is not as serious as the medial collateral ligament sprain that Polamalu suffered in the Steelers' season opener. Polamalu missed four games because of the MCL sprain. "It's not a re-injury," Tomlin said today at his weekly news conference. Tomlin said Polamalu is "probably questionable at best" to play ..."
November 16
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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The Steelers are hoping to get good news about strong safety Troy Polamalu, who re-injured his left knee in the Steelers' 18-12 loss Sunday to the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field. Polamalu left the game in the first quarter and did not return. He had an MRI taken on the knee that he sprained in the season opener Sept. 10. After the game, several of Polamalu's teammates said they did not know the severity of the injury. Asked how it happened, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said, "I don't know the details of it." Tomlin is well aware of the impact if Polamalu is out for an extended period. He missed four games earlier this season when his knee first was injured. The five-time Pro Bowler is one ..."
November 15
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Troy Polamalu has left today's Steelers game against the Bengals with a left knee injury, and the strong safety is not expected to return to the AFC North showdown. It is the same knee Polamalu sprained in the Sept. 10 season opener. The five-time Pro Bowler missed four games and had been playing with a brace on his left knee."
October 24
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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As expected, safety Troy Polamalu returned to practice on Friday and will start in Sunday's 1 p.m. game against the Minnesota Vikings at Heinz Field. Polamau credited coach Mike Tomlin with holding him out of the week's first two practices so he could rest his knee. Polamalu missed four games because of a sprained knee. "We were just taking it day-to-day," Polamalu said. "The game plan was not to practice (early). It was important to go into the game healthy. I feel good. I think it was a good decision by coach Tomlin." • After running backs Rashard Mendenhall and Willie Parker lost fumbles in the third quarter, Mewelde Moore was inserted into the lineup in the fourth quarter against ..."
October 24
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Steelers safety Troy Polamalu returned to practice today and declared himself ready for Sunday's 1 p.m. game against the Minnesota Vikings at Heinz Field. "I feel better, actually (than last week)," Polamalu said. Coach Mike Tomlin said Polamalu, who returned to the lineup against Cleveland after missing four games with a knee injury, would be limited early in the week. Polamalu missed the first two days of practice. "We were just taking it day-to-day. The game plan was not to practice (early)," Polamalu said. "It was important to go into the game healthy. I think it was a good decision by coach Tomlin.""
October 21
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he is pleased with how Troy Polamalu's left knee responded following the strong safety's first game since Sept. 10. Polamalu gave Steelers fans a scare last Sunday when he came up limping after making a first-quarter interception against the Browns. Tomlin said it had nothing to do Polamalu's original injury. "He banged his knee on the ground so really it was something separate from the injury he sustained weeks ago and that created the situation where he hobbled a little bit the rest of the day," Tomlin said Tuesday. "His presence is significant and we're glad to have him back out there." Tomlin said the Steelers may limit Polamalu in practice this week but ..."
October 16
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Wearing a left-knee brace, Troy Polamalu practiced again Thursday. How much the brace or the injury that has sidelined the All-Pro safety for more than a month limits him Sunday remains to be seen. Polamalu, who sprained his knee in the Steelers' season opener on Sept. 10, said he won't know until he gets in a game how his knee will hold up. He added that his knee responded favorably to the full practice he went through Wednesday. "Everything went well," Polamalu said. • Defensive end Travis Kirschke (back), James Farrior (elbow), guard Trai Essex (ankle) and outside linebacker Andre Frazier all returned to practice yesterday after missing drills Wednesday because of injuries. Kirschke is ..."
October 15
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Steelers safety Troy Polamalu participated in a full practice for the first time since injuring his knee during the first half of the first week of the season and is expected to play Sunday against Cleveland. "We are excited to have him back," safety Ryan Clark said. "Me and TP will be back there this week, so hopefully you will leave us alone about it the rest of the year." Polamalu said he had an earlier date circled for when he expected to return. "I was hoping to return a couple of weeks earlier," Polamalu said. "I guess I was overly optimistic." Polamalu just began to practice last week on a limited basis. "With time, I was able to heal a little bit more," Polamalu said. "It will be ..."
October 14
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Strong safety Troy Polamalu and running back Willie Parker are scheduled to practice today. Both are on track to play Sunday barring any setbacks this week. Polamalu has missed the past four games because of a sprained knee, and turf toe has sidelined Parker for the past two Steelers' games. "It will be interesting to see how they respond Thursday after having a day's work," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. Among the Steelers players who will be limited in practice today because of injuries are right guard Trai Essex (ankle), defensive end Travis Kirschke (back) and linebacker Andre Frazier (thigh). • Tomlin said it is too early to tell how the Steelers will use Rashard Mendenhall and ..."
October 13
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Strong safety Troy Polamalu and running back Willie Parker could return to action Sunday but the Steelers are expected to be without defensive end Aaron Smith when they host the Browns. And Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Smith may be out for an extended period of time because of a shoulder injury he sustained in last Sunday's 28-20 win over the Lions. "Potentially could be significant," Tomlin said of Smith's injury. If Smith is unable to play Sunday the Steelers will use a rotation of Travis Kirschke, Ziggy Hood and Nick Eason, Tomlin said."
October 12
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Strong safety Troy Polamalu and running back Willie Parker didn't play in the Steelers' 28-20 win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday because of injuries. Polamalu, who hasn't played since spraining his left knee Sept. 10, could return next week when the Steelers host the Browns. He practiced on a limited basis last week. When asked for anon Polamalu's health after the Steelers improved to 3-2, coach Mike Tomlin said, "I'll let you know Tuesday." Parker missed his second consecutive game because of turf toe. The two-time Pro Bowler said he is not sure if he will be able to play against the Browns. "It's too early to talk about that right now," Parker said. "We're definitely taking it day by ..."
October 11
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu will miss his fourth consecutive game because of a sprained left knee. The Steelers will also be without starting running back Willie Parker (turf toe) today when they play the Lions at 1 p.m. Detroit will start Daunte Culpepper over Matthew Stafford at quarterback. Stafford, the first overall pick of the 2009 NFL draft, hurt his knee last Sunday and will serve as the Lions' emergency quarterback today. Limas Sweed will get another opportunity to work his way back into the good graces of the Steelers' coaching staff. Sweed, and not Shaun McDonald, will serve as the Steelers' No. 4 wide receiver today."
October 10
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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What safety Troy Polamalu wants and what coach Mike Tomlin decides regarding Polamalu's playing status are probably two different things. After practicing for the third consecutive day, Polamalu declared himself ready for Sunday's 1 p.m. game against the Detroit Lions. However, Polamalu, who has been out since he sprained his knee against Tennessee on Sept. 10, is listed as doubtful on the injury report. "It was really good to be out there practicing. I feel pretty good,'' Polamalu said Friday. If it were up to him, Polamalu said he would play Sunday. "Yes. No question," he said. Polamalu also understands that it's a long season, and Tomlin has the final say. "I don't know if coach ..."