Steelers’ safety Polamalu may not play Sunday against Dolphins

The Pittsburgh Steelers star safety Troy Polamalu seemed not ready to wear back his Steelers jersey with a left knee injury, which has kept him out for the last six games and may also cause him to be sidelined for the seventh as he was listed as uncertain for this Sunday’s season finale against the Miami Dolphins.

Polamalu began running in a straight line only Monday, not yet to begin cutting, turning or twisting, moves needed to play in a game. And Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin still called it a “positive step”.

“The door’s not closed on him participating. … He’s just progressing, trying to get him ready, hopefully to play.” The coach said Tuesday.

Several weeks ago, Polamalu pointed to the Miami game for his return. However, he probably must show he can move freely and make sharp cuts on a knee that’s mending from a sprained posterior cruciate ligament before he is cleared to play for the first time since Nov. 15.

Having played only three full games this season because of two ligament injuries in his left knee, Polamalu should be eager to help his team to win the season finale as it is necessary for the Steelers to retain any chance of making the AFC playoffs.

Steelers WR Ward will not play against Browns with hamstring injury

According the Pittsburgh Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin, wide receiver Hines Ward is very questionable for this Thursday night’s game against the Cleveland Browns. One week’s preparation seemed not enough for the receiver to be back in 100 percent.

Ward strained a hamstring near the end of last Sunday’s 27-24 loss to the Oakland Raiders. Before leaving the field, he had already been leading the Steelers with 72 catches and six touchdowns and with only 78 yards away from having his sixth career 1,000-yard season.

Now after losing four consecutive games, the Steelers seemed injury-depleted. Besides questionable Ward, safety Troy Polamalu has not been fine enough to practice and is almost sure not to put on his Steelers jersey for the fourth consecutive game this Thursday. Cornerback Williams Gay is in similar condition with a concussion.