According to Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers focus heading into their regular season finale is just winning in Miami and letting the rest of the playoff scenario’s take care of it self.
A popular topic this week is whether teams like the Bengals and Patriots will sit starters as such moves could have a major impact on the Steelers playoff hopes. For the Steelers, there’s nothing they can do about it.
“This is our bed, we created it, ” Mike Tomlin said. “We’re going to lay in it.”
On the injury front linebacker Rocky Boiman – (calf strain), running back Willie Parker – (shoulder), and Brett Keisel (neck discomfort) will all be limited early in the week in practice.
Meanwhile, Hines Ward has hamstring injuries in both legs. How much Ward has left in him this season remains to be seen.
“Hines is miserable,” Mike Tomlin said, “but I’m going to save a seat on the bus for him.”
At this point, starting left guard Chris Kemoeatu is questionable at best to play against Miami. Kemoeatu has missed two straight games.
Tomlin indicated today that Kemoeatu still has a lot of weakness in his right wrist.
The status for star safety Troy Polamalu is up in the air at this point. Polamalu did some straight line running on Monday and is running again today.
The door has not been closed on Polamalu playing this weekend but everything will depend on how he responds this week. He’s progressing to the point where a return is close.
Yesterday’s workout was encouraging for Polamalu, Mike Tomlin stated today.