Mike

Pollak

Diem is still undergoing testing to determine the extent of his sprain. Mike Pollak figures to get the nod at right guard this week in a nightmare matchup with the Steelers.

The 2008 second-rounder has started 41 of 58 games the past four years, losing his job to former Arena Leaguer Kyle DeVan in 2009 and Jeff Linkenbach at mid-season last year. Pollak has been adequate as a pass blocker but ineffective as a run blocker in his four-year career. He could compete for the left guard vacancy created by Travelle Wharton’s release.

Pollak has been out since Week 1. The former second-rounder was signed in the offseason after starting 41 games for the Colts from 2008-11. Pollak was an interior line backup and is a free agent after the season. CB Ron Parker was signed off the practice squad earlier on Saturday to fill the roster spot.

Diem seems likely to play this week at Cincinnati, but his position is up in the air. The Colts could leave Mike Pollak at right guard, pushing Diem back out to right tackle in place of street free agent Quinn Ojinnaka.

The former second-round pick was limited to one game by a shoulder injury last season. He made 41 starts for Peyton Manning’s Colts between 2008-11, but was benched twice. Pollak will provide depth for a Bengals team that’s already set at guard.

Pollak appeared in just one game for the Panthers last year thanks to a shoulder injury. The 2008 second-round pick of the Colts brings versatile depth and 41 career starts to the table.

He played 81 games for the Colts, Panthers and Bengals, starting in 52 of them. Pollak didn’t attract much interest on the open market after getting released by Cincinnati in February. Indianapolis drafted him 59th overall in 2008.

Pollak avoided PUP when the Bengals put nine on the list Monday, leading many to believe Pollak was recovered from his knee issue. It doesn’t appear that way. We’ll consider Pollak week-to-week. The more time he misses, the more opportunities rookie Russell Bodine will get as the starting center.

Pollak’s spring absence was described as “rest.” He’s expected to beat out fourth-round C Russell Bodine for starting duties in the middle. Pollak has missed 22 games over the past two seasons, so his health is a major question mark.

Pollak is sitting out OTAs with a knee issue. The missed time has allowed rookie Russel Bodine to get the majority of first-team snaps at center, but Pollak remains the favorite to start. Pollak has missed 22 games the past two years due to injuries, so his ability to stay healthy for a full season is a concern.