When Steelers safety Troy Polamalu missed practice on Wednesday with an Achilles’ tendon injury, most shrugged. After all, he missed practice last Wednesday, before Saturday’s division-round game against the Ravens. Then he practiced on Thursday, and then he played on Saturday.
This week, Polamalu didn’t practice on Thursday.
Though there’s still no reason to think he’ll be unavailable come Sunday, it’s somewhat alarming that, five days after the team’s last game, Polamalu wasn’t able to practice.
Coach Mike Tomlin has said that Polamalu is expected to participate on Friday, and to play on Sunday.
Also missing for the Steelers on Thursday were the other guys who were missing on Wednesday: safety Will Allen (knee), receiver Arnaz Battle (illness), and cornerback Bryant McFadden (abdomen).
Defensive end Aaron Smith (triceps) participated on a limited basis, but he reportedly won’t play on Sunday.
All Jets practiced Thursday. Cornerback Drew Coleman (knee), safety James Ihedigbo (knee, ankle), cornerback Darrelle Revis (hamstring), receiver Brad Smith (groin), and linebacker Jason Taylor (concussion) participated on a limited basis.
Fully participating were cornerback Antonio Cromartie (groin), defensive tackle Mike Devito (neck), receiver Santonio Holmes (quadricep), center Nick Mangold (shoulder), defensive tackle Sione Pouha (back), and quarterback Mark Sanchez (right shoulder).
The Jets and the Steelers play on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET.
