The Pittsburgh Steelers, owners of a three-game winning streak, will head into Sunday’s game against the 1-8 New York Jets minus two key starters on defense.
Both safety Troy Polamalu (knee) and linebacker Ryan Shazier (ankle), along with backup safety Shamarko Thomas (hamstring) have already been ruled out for Sunday by head coach Mike Tomlin.
Polamalu, who sprained his knee in Sunday night’s win over the Baltimore Ravens, will miss his first game since 2012. He had played every snap dating back to last season and is currently second on the Steelers with 49 tackles.
Will Allen will start in Polamalu’s absence.
Shazier, who just got back into the lineup after missing four games with a sprained knee, left Sunday’s game with a sprained ankle.
Sean Spence will likely get the start in his absence.
With Thomas out of action as well, that leaves the Steelers with only three healthy safeties right now, although Ross Ventrone, who didn’t play against the Ravens because of a hamstring injury, is questionable for Sunday.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
