Troy Polamalu Injury: Updates on Steelers Star's Knee and Return

Matt FitzgeraldDec 19, 2014

Pittsburgh Steelers star safety Troy Polamalu was inactive with a knee injury for the team's Week 16 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. He missed their Week 17 game, but is active for the team's Wild Card clash with the Ravens.

Continue for updates.

Polamalu Active vs. Ravens

Polamalu Probable vs. Ravens

Friday, Jan. 2

Bob Labriola of Steelers.com has an update on Polamalu's status for the team's Wild Card matchup with the Ravens:

Polamalu Inactive for Week 17

Sunday, Dec. 28

Troy Polamalu is inactive for Week 17's matchup with Cincinnati, via Steelers Depot.

Polamalu Questionable for Week 17

Friday, Dec. 26

Scott Brown of ESPN has the latest on Polamalu:

Steelers Optimistic About Polamalu Playing in Week 17

Wednesday, Dec. 24

Scott Brown of ESPN provides comments from defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, who commented on Polamalu's status against the Bengals this Sunday:

"
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor and strong safety Troy Polamalu each practiced on a limited basis Wednesday and defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau liked what he saw from the veteran defensive backs.
“I saw Ike running very well today and Troy took several plays in the practice so we’re staying optimistic on them,” LeBeau said after practice.

"

Polamalu Out vs. Chiefs

Sunday, Dec. 21

BJ Kissel of KCChiefs.com confirmed Polamalu was on the Steelers' inactive list:

Polamalu Doubtful for Week 16

Friday, Dec. 19

Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported the details of Polamalu's injury:

Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is known for his exotic schemes, which can often mask any shortcomings in personnel. Replacing someone with Polamalu's uncanny instincts and playmaking ability is impossible, though.

A sprained knee kept Polamalu out for Weeks 10 and 11, and Pittsburgh was fortunate, in a way, that it had a late bye thereafter so the 33-year-old veteran could work his way back into the lineup.

Notable injuries to Polamalu, cornerback Ike Taylor, linebacker Jarvis Jones and rookie first-round draft choice Ryan Shazier have challenged the Steelers' depth; however, LeBeau has worked around it, and Pittsburgh's explosive, balanced offense has helped pick up the slack.