Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (knee) watched practice from the sideline on Wednesday and has long been ruled out for Sunday. Polamalu continues to wear a knee brace to protect his knee. Defensive end Aaron Smith (coaches decision) and wide receiver Hines Ward (coaches decision) did not participate on Wednesday as they had veteran days off. Linebacker Lawrence Timmons (ankle) was back in full pads on Wednesday for the Steelers. Updated: Timmons eased off later in practice after his left ankle was tweaked again. Wide receiver Limas Sweed (foot) also left practice early with a mid-foot sprain. Safety Tyrone Carter (personal), who will start for injured strong safety Troy Polamalu, was excused on Wednesday for personal reasons.
The Bears limp into the Sunday game versus the Steelers with multiple injured players. Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee), cornerback Trumaine McBride (knee), defensive end Mark Anderson (toe) and tight end Desmond Clark (ribs) all sat out on Wednesday. Defensive tackle Tommie Harris (knee), guard Frank Omiyale (ankle) and safety Al Afalava (shoulder) were all limited on Wednesday in practice.
