Troy

Polamalu

Polamalu is a first ballot member after regularly functioning as one of the league’s premiere defensive talents during his 12 seasons with the Steelers from 2003-2014. James gained more than 1,500 yards on the ground on four separate occasions in 1999, 2000, 2004 and 2005 while also providing plenty of value as a blocker and receiver for Peyton Manning and the Colts before finishing his career with a few more productive seasons with the Cardinals. Bruce gained an absurd 15,208 career receiving yards in 16 seasons. Hutchinson served as the anchor for many great offensive lines in both Seattle and Minnesota during his 11-year career. Atwater served as one of the league’s most-feared enforcers with the Broncos during his 11-year career from 1989-1999.

The All Pro looked fine in a great Week 1 performance, but must have played through the injury. Watch to see if he practices this week. TE Jerame Tuman is also questionable.

“I feel awesome,” Polamalu said. “We’ll see how this year turns out, but I couldn’t imagine feeling any better than I do now.” Once again negotiating, Polamalu and the Steelers could have a contract extension in place by this weekend.

Polamalu either never suffered a true concussion or he has already passed all his tests. Either way, the difference-making safety will be in the lineup for Sunday’s game against the Cardinals. The Steelers are currently the No. 1 pass defense in the NFL, giving up just 157.7 yards per game through the air.

Polamalu practiced each of the past two days after sitting out on Thursday, and was never in danger of missing Monday’s game against the 49ers. Pittsburgh is Rotoworld’s second-ranked team defense for Week 15.

We didn’t see Polamalu miss any time during last Thursday’s win over the Browns, so this may be a precautionary listing. The 2010 Defensive Player of the Year has 76 tackles, one sack and one interception in 13 games this year.

Polamalu has remained on the sideline ever since he was knocked out, so he doesn’t appear to have suffered a concussion. However, he has removed his helmet and put on sweats, and should be considered done for the night even though the Steelers have yet to update his status. He’s likely dealing with a neck or shoulder injury.

Polamalu lingered on the sideline for the remainder of the first half after going down early in the the first quarter, but removed his helmet midway through the second. Coach Mike Tomlin told NBC’s Michele Tafoya that Polamalu would not return if there was “any chance” he was concussed. Players usually head to the locker room if they’ve suffered a concussion, so it’s unclear why Polamalu remained on the sideline. Stay tuned.

It’s a concern as Polamalu has a long history of concussions. The 2010 Defensive Player of the Year left the Week 6 win over the Jaguars with a “head injury,” but was cleared to play the next week. This time, Polamalu might not be so lucky. The Steelers host the Bengals in Week 13.

Per Schefter, NFL teams had red flags on Polamalu coming out of USC in 2003 due to the past concussions. ESPN’s Merril Hoge, who has worked intimately on concussion issues after they contributed to the end of his own football career, predicted that Polamalu will be out for “a long time.” Concluded Schefter, “I think it could be a bit before we see Polamalu again.”