Friday Practice Report
As expected, safety Troy Polamalu returned to practice today. Polamalu who sat out the past two practices, ran with the first-team defense and will play against the Minnesota Vikings.
Polamalu returned to action last week against Cleveland and finished the game with 4 tackles and one interception.
*Running back Rashard Mendenhall was a full participant for the second consecutive day. Mendenhall was limited in Wednesday’s practice with a sore knee and will make his fourth consecutive start at running back.
*Running back Willie Parker was also a full participant and will backup Mendenhall Sunday afternoon. Parker who claims he consulted with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin about who will start this week, has drawn some criticism from

team officials internally. For one Tomlin doesn’t consult with his players about personnel decisions and there continues to be a concern in the organization on how Parker is going to handle sharing carries or even taking a back seat to Mendenhall.
Something to really watch after the bye week.
Notes
*David Johnson remains the #1 full back in blocking situations but Carey Davis may be active this week for a special teams role if Andre Frazier (thigh) is unable to go. Kewian Ratliff could lose his role on special teams. Team has not been happy with his play.
*The coaching staff will make a game time decision as to whether Limas Sweed will be active. He was inactive last week.
*All signs point to Vikings pro bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield sitting out Sunday’s game with a sprained foot. Who starts for Winfield remains to be seen.
*Karl Paymah replaced Winfield last week but Paymah struggled against the Ravens.
It appears nickleback Benny Sapp could be moved into the starting spot and according to the Startribune, in practice rookie Asher Allen has been used at nickelback.
Roethlisberger could have a prime opportunity to exploit the Vikings secondary.