UPDATED 3 PM: It looks like Ward, Hampton, and Polamalu will all miss the game. You couldn’t ask for a better chance to win a big road game.
I’ve been eagerly looking for signs about whether key Steelers players were going to suit up Sunday. Polamalu and Hines Ward were supposed to practice yesterday. Neither did. Casey Hampton has not practiced at all this week either.
All news from the Steelers camp was that they were still expected to play, until…
I saw this article today.
Here are the highlights:
Polamalu might sit out
Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu did not play the second half in Arizona with what was diagnosed as torn rib cartilage, but was not even listed among the injured players by coach Mike Tomlin How can that be?
Polamalu was initially said to have sustained an abdominal strain when he was tackled on a fumble return against the Cardinals. But because the Steelers did not have the medical equipment to properly evaluate his injury, he was kept from the game as a precautionary measure. The cartilage tear was not detected until the team returned to Pittsburgh. Polamalu did not practice again yesterday and might not play against the Seahawks. He would be replaced by second-year safety Anthony Smith. “I feel good, but I don’t know [if I’ll play],” Polamalu said. “It depends if [coach Mike Tomlin] wants something to linger for 10 weeks. That’s the danger with any injury. It’s definitely an injury than can get worse.” Injury update
In addition to Polamalu, nose tackle Casey Hampton (hamstring) and No. 3 cornerback Bryant McFadden (ankle) did not practice. Hampton’s status will be determined today. McFadden is not expected to play against the Seahawks.
That certainly sounds like Polamalu is not going to suit up, and Hampton does not sound too likely either.