Munchak Says Steelers Just As Good Without Polamalu
By Matt Pawlikowski
A short week for the Steelers means quick decisions. While preparation for the Titans game will be the same as any other week--minus a few days--there are some injuries that must be addressed, and whether those players suit up is anyone's guess.
With one exception: Troy Polamalu.
Monday, Steeler coach Mike Tomlin held his weekly presser and to no one's surprise, Troy Polamalu, who re-aggravated his calf during the game Sunday, was declared out Thursday and possibly longer.
Ryan Mundy, who already has started three games this season, is expected to take Polamalu's slot.
"We're not a different team schematically, but we acknowledge that Troy (Polamalu) is a special player that is capable of doing special things," Tomlin said. "Ryan (Mundy) has served us well and has been above the line in his performance, but obviously if we have an opportunity to have Troy, we'd be excited about that."
Also possibly out Thursday is another key player--Lamarr Woodley.
"He has a mild hamstring injury if there is such a thing," Tomlin said. "It is still a hamstring injury. We are in the early portions of the season. We have to be smart in terms of how we deal with that. Being a short week, it minimizes his opportunity to play."
Jason Worilds is expected to play in Woodley's slot if he is deemed inactive for the game. Tomlin did tell Tennessee media on Tuesday that no decision has been made in regards to him.
Despite the Steelers not having Polamalu in the lineup, Titans coach Mike Munchak is not expecting a let down of any sort.
"Obviously, they want all their players playing. He's a great player for them," Munchak said. "Obviously, they're going to miss him. I recall we went up there last year and they were missing a lot of players and they beat us. We don't get caught up in any of that. We know they're going to have good players showing up. We just have to play our best to beat them.
When it comes to the Titans, perhaps the biggest question is wide receiver Kenny Britt. He practiced in full pads on Tuesday.
Just two Titans have been ruled out of Thursday's contest: Quarterback Jake Lockler (shoulder) and running back Javon Ringer.
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Matt Pawlikowski is a veteran journalist covering all things Steelers. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
