Steelers Lose Two Key Players to Injury for One Week; Maybe Longer

Posted by Matt Loede under Pittsburgh Steelers

Holmes scores vs the Jets

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost a game that just about everyone had them winning Sunday vs the New York Jets, and now, two days after that stunning loss, the team got even more bad news. Head coach Mike Tomlin told the press in Pittsburgh today that two key players, wide out Santonio Holmes and safety Troy Polamalu will be missing one and possibly even more games with injuries. Holmes suffered a high ankle sprain in the loss, and also hurt ligaments in the ankle. As for Polamalu, he sprained a knee. For now, Tomlin did not say that either player would not play Monday night vs the Dolphins at home, but it does appear that they will both be in street clothes come Monday evening.

The injury to Holmes may mean even more for the Steelers passing game. He had become the main target for QB Ben Roethlisberger this season, catching 39 passes for 664 yards and seven touchdowns. He kept the passing game going when fellow wide out Hines Ward was hurt earlier in the season, and now without him, the focus will be back on Ward to make things happen in the passing game. Cedric Wilson and Nate Washington will also be called upon without Holmes in the lineup.

As for Polamalu, his knee injury means that Tyrone Carter will start in his spot. Corner Deshea Townsend could also play at the safety spot if need be. “It’s going to require multiple people to step up and fill the roles they provide for us, which is great,” Tomlin said. “This is a team, and it’s the ultimate team game. We’re looking forward to these guys stepping up and delivering for us.” The team has played one game already this season without Homes and Polamalu on the field, and in that game the reserves did an excellent job in a 21-0 shutout of the Seahawks back on October 7th.

As far as losing to a one-win Jets team a week ago: “I don’t want our level of preparation this week to be a response to last week’s performance,” Tomlin said. “I want it to be because we have a football game to play. That’s the only way we’re going to be great, is that we understand all of these games are equally weighted, and every time you take the field you’ve got to come to play. That’s what great teams do.”

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