According to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Twitter, Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu told the media on Thursday that the calf injury that sidelined for 7 games was to a different muscle than the one that he suffered in the season opener against the Denver Broncos the first game of the season.
Up until the game this past Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens Polamalu had missed a total of 9 games and played all of 5 quarters worth of football. Against the Ravens he played 49 of the 63 snaps and came out of the game without any issues.
“I thought Troy Polamalu’s return was a positive thing, said head coach Mike Tomlin on Tuesday. “He didn’t take any steps backwards, and we expect that to continue. We still may preserve him, particularly at the early portions of the week in an effort to keep him moving in the right direction.”
Polamalu played his normal role Sunday in the win over the Ravens, which included him around the line of scrimmage pre snap. He finished the game with two official tackles and one quarterback pressure.
The decision to limit the snaps of Polamalu is likely a wise choice as he continues to strengthen that calf and work his way back into football shape. Will Allen played well in the absence of Polamalu and will most like continue to spell the Steelers all-everything safety for at least a little while.
