The Pittsburgh Steelers continued their practice preparations on Thursday for their upcoming game Sunday against the New York Jets and the practice participation injury report shows that linebacker James Harrison (knee), safety Troy Polamalu (calf), tackle Max Starks (illness) and linebacker Stevenson Sylvester (knee) did not practice.
Harrison reportedly said on Thursday that he will play Sunday against the Jets, but after missing both Wednesday and Thursday, you have to wonder if he really will. Sylvester is expected to miss his second consecutive game as he continues to work his way back from a torn MCL
Starks reportedly had an allergic reaction to some medicine that he took that made his face swell, according to Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. He was added to the injury report on Thursday, but is not expected to miss the game.
Polamalu was expected to be limited early in the week after suffering a strained left calf in the game Sunday night. There has been no indication from head coach Mike Tomlin that he will not be ready come Sunday, so Friday now becomes a key practice day for him.
Running back Jonathan Dwyer (foot) practiced fully on Thursday after sitting out on Wednesday. He is expected to be good to go come Sunday and is expected to get increased opportunities against the Jets.
Running back Rashard Mendenhall (knee) reportedly practiced fully once again, but there has been no indication if he will return to action on Sunday. The Steelers might choose to continue to hold him out until after the bye week.
Defense end Ziggy Hood (back) practiced fully after being limited on Wednesday.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was not on the injury report but reportedly had his right knee wrapped in ice following practice, according to Kaboly on Twitter.
