December 23rd, 2009 
Matt Loede 
Posted in 
He may be feeling better, but it doesn’t appear that safety Troy Polamalu isn’t going to be able to play Sunday in the critical home game against the rival Ravens. The safety didn’t practice again Wednesday because of his injured left knee ligament and says he doesn’t expect to play.
Polamalu is “encouraged” by an MRI test he had on Tuesday, but he doesn’t anticipate practicing this week. Asked if he needs a week of practice before playing again, he said, “I would think so.”
The five-time Pro Bowl safety has missed nine full games and most of two others with separate ligament injuries in his left knee. He hasn’t played since the opening series against Cincinnati on Nov. 15, though he has been working out in anticipation of a return.
“I’ve tried everything—running, lifting, rehab,” he said Wednesday.
Last week, Polamalu said he hoped to play Jan. 3 in the regular season-ending game in Miami.
Since Polamalu sprained his posterior cruciate ligament, the Steelers (7-7) have won only one of the six games he hasn’t finished. They were 2-2 when he missed four games early in the season with a sprained anterior cruciate ligament.
Without Polamalu, the Steelers defense has lost leads in the fourth quarter six times, and they recovered to win only one. Polamalu leads the Steelers with three interceptions despite playing only three full games all season.
“I don’t believe that at all,” Polamalu said, when asked if his absence is hindering the Steelers’ ability to close out games. “I’ve been part of a lot of defenses here, defenses that lost games in the fourth quarter. I don’t think one man makes that big of a difference. There’s not one player who is irreplaceable.”
Polamalu is too kind. I do think he is one of those special players that make that much of a difference to his team (Roethlisberger being another).
The humility of 43 is refreshing in a pro athlete. I say Troy sits the rest of the year. If this team can win 2 more games and are fortunate enough to make the playoffs, bring Troy back. Instead of unleashing hell in December, Tomlin can unleash something far more devestating to Steeler opponents…a healthy Troy Polamalu.
You gotta believe
Troy Polamalu is working with the poor check out the great work they are doing at: http://www.FocusNorthamerica.org/tackle