Harrison, Ward won’t be at full strength for Sunday’s showdown

The 7-7 Pittsburgh Steelers head into Sunday’s game as a much more confident team than we’ve seen the past couple weeks after last Sunday’s thrilling 37-36 victory over the Green Bay Packers. The Steelers have a “pulse” according to head coach Mike Tomlin and this week the team appeared to have a little bit of their swagger back. It was a much looser team in the locker room. In a must win situation against Baltimore, Pittsburgh will not be close to being at full strength and the same can be said for the 8-6 Baltimore Ravens Strong safety Troy Polamalu will miss his 10th game of the season and starting guard Chris Kemoeatu had a minor setback and will miss

Steelers sign wide out Joey Galloway; Polamalu having MRI today

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed wide receiver Joey Galloway, the team confirmed this afternoon. Galloway, 38, visited the Steelers in the off-season prior to signing with New England and will replace Limas Sweed on the active roster. Galloway (7 receptions) struggled with the New England Patriots this season and was released at mid-season. As expected the Steelers have signed long snapper Jared Retkofsky to replace Greg Warren on the active roster. Mike Tomlin would not go into specifics regarding Limas Sweed but did claim Sweed has the full support of the team as he is dealing with a personal matter. Polamalu having MRI this afternoon Troy Polamalu is having an MRI this afternoon and the results of the MRI will

No Polamalu: Steelers need Timmons back to full health

With Troy Polamalu sidelined for at least the next three weeks, Lawrence Timmons role in the Steelers defense becomes that much more important. Timmons missed the Steelers opener with an high ankle sprain and the Steelers will be counting on him to return to the starting the lineup in week 2. Like Polamalu, Timmons gives the Steelers plenty of options due to his athleticism. The Steelers next three opponents feature quarterbacks (CHI) Jay Cutler, (CIN) Carson Palmer and (SD)Phillip Rivers. Safety Tyrone Carter is no Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark struggled at times when Polamalu left the game. Cutler will be looking Carter’s way early and often next Sunday. An healthy Timmons will be the key. The Latest Buzz

Tomlin not ready to officially name a #3 wide receiver

Replacing Nate Washington (#3 receiver) was one of the few intriguing battles in training camp for the Pittsburgh Steelers. With the season opener just three days away, Second year wide out Limas Sweed has shown enough progress to have a hold on the #3 spot for now, but head coach Mike Tomlin is not ready to officially name Sweed the teams #3 wide receiver.

NFL: Wallace keeping a hold on #4 receiver spot

McDonald unable to pass Wallace on the depth chart for now Photo: David Hague – Inside Pittsburgh Sports Two weeks ago the Steelers depth at the wide receiver position was regarded as a major question mark but after two weeks of training camp and one pre-season game, some of those concerns are being put on the back burner for now. The performances of 2nd year wide out Limas Sweed and rookie wide receiver Mike Wallace have been promising thus far and the most intriguing battle in camp has been Mike Wallace holding off veteran Shaun McDonald for the #4 receiver spot. Limas Sweed has a strong hold on the #3 receiver spot behind Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward. Mike Wallace

Steelers vs Cardinals: What to watch For

Photo: David Hague – Inside Pittsburgh Sports As the Steelers suit up for their first preseason game Thursday night, all eyes will be on 2008 1st round pick Rashard Mendenhall. Mendenhall who only appeared in four games last season, will get the bulk of carries during the 1st half as Willie Parker may sit out (back spasms) or only play a series or two.

The bests and worsts of the first weekend of Steelers preseason camp:

By Paul Ladewski Photo: David Hague – Inside Pittsburgh Sports Best observation: When asked which team was his early Super Bowl favorite, head coach-turned-media guy Mike Shanahan said, “I have pick the Steelers. You have to stay with the defending champions until somebody beats them.” But doesn’t the return of Tom Brady (genuflect here) make the New England Patriots the favorites again? “The Patriots have Tom Brady, but the Steelers have a great defense,” said Shanahan, who didn’t have to explain further. Best sign: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger aimed a few zingers at the media, then he threw some high, hard ones at his receivers. Despite his off-the-field problems, Big Ben’s focus is on playing football. Worst sign: The same five

Scouting the Steelers Draft Selections

First Round Selection Evander (Ziggy) Hood, DE, Missouri Height: 6-2 7/8 | Weight: 300 | 40-Time: 4.89 College Career 2005: 18 tackles – 1 sack 2006: 36 tackles – 4 sacks 2007: 49 tackles – 5 sacks 2008: 62 tackles – 7 sacks Strengths: Hood played defensive tackle at Missouri but was drafted by the Steelers to be a defensive end in the NFL. Athletic, very good size and bulk which fits the Steelers kind of defensive end for a 3-4 scheme. Has an explosive first step and great quickness which has scouts optimistic that Hood will make the adjustment to defensive end in the NFL, quite easily. High motor and is versatile, can play DT and DE. Best attributes