Could the Pittsburgh Steelers possibly get safety Troy Polamalu back for the Week 11 game against the Baltimore Ravens? Judging by the Tuesday comments made by head coach Mike Tomlin during his weekly press conference, that indeed seems like a possibility.
Not only could we possibly see Polamalu back in a uniform for the Ravens game, but right tackle Marcus Gilbert as well.
“I think it will be another week with Marcus Gilbert and Troy,” Tomlin said Tuesday. “I think they\’ll both participate in a limited capacity, but less optimistic about them (this week).
Polamalu has missed the last four games after reaggravating a calf injury early in the Week 5 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Prior to that game he had only played in the season opener against the Denver Broncos.
Despite the absence of Polamalu in the secondary the Steelers defense currently ranks first in the league in yards allowed per game (262.6) and passing yards allowed per game (174.0), but tied for second to last in the league in takeaways with 8. A healthy Polamalu could at least help in the turnover department, but certainly won\’t hurt it in all areas.
With Polamalu certainly ruled out for the upcoming Monday night game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Will Allen is once again expected to start in his place.
Gilbert has been sidelined with an ankle injury since going down in the game against the Tennessee Titans. Rookie Mike Adams has done an admirable job filling in at right tackle with Gilbert down, so it is not a lock that the Florida product reclaims his starting job should he dress against the Ravens.
Should both Polamalu and Gilbert both be able to practice all of this week on a limited basis, it will be a good sign that they will indeed likely be ready to return against the Ravens.
