Troy Polamalu Injury: Pittsburgh Steelers Won't Beat Bengals If He Can't Play

Troy Polamalu left Sunday night's game against Kansas City with a head injury, and if he can't play next week, the Steelers will lose to the Cincinnati Bengals at home.

Polamalu was knocked out against the Chiefs on the first drive of the game and didn't return. His absence had obvious effects on Pittsburgh's defense. Without him, much of Dick LeBeau's playbook is meaningless.

The Steelers beat Cincinnati 24-17 in Week 10, thanks in large part to Polamalu's presence. The star safety had six tackles, five of which were solo. He also deflected one of Andy Dalton's passes.

Pittsburgh is giving up just 183 passing yards per game, which is third best in the NFL. But without Polamalu, I expect Dalton and A.J. Green to carve up the Steelers secondary.

Dalton has been excellent in his rookie season, leading Cincinnati to a surprising 7-4 start. His 2,239 yards aren't overly impressive, but he's tied for ninth in the NFL with 15 touchdown passes.

Six of those TDs have been thrown to fellow rookie Green, who is currently in the top 20 in receiving yards and receptions for 20-plus yards.

The Steelers are just one game ahead of Cincinnati and can't afford to lose another game to a division rival.

But without Polamalu on Sunday, that's exactly what will happen.