Injury Update.

News not all bad on the injury front
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
By Teresa VarleySteelers.com

The Steelers had a rash of injuries on Sunday against the Cardinals, but the outlook was much better on Tuesday.

Troy Polamalu and Casey Hampton, who both left the game, were not even mentioned in the main portion of the injury report by coach Mike Tomlin.

“We expect those guys to be okay,” said Tomlin when asked about both players. “They may be somewhat limited at the early part of the week, but all indications are they will be fine.”

Hampton suffered a hamstring injury in the game and Polamalu an abdominal strain.

“I think it happened when he recovered the fumble,” said Tomlin of Polamalu. “I think it was halftime before he got a sense of where he was with that. But I think it was the fumble recovery.”

While the news was good for those two, it wasn’t as good for cornerback Bryant McFadden. McFadden suffered a high ankle sprain and is considered to be doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Seahawks at Heinz Field.

“Bryant McFadden is going to be an issue,” said Tomlin. “I would leave open a window of opportunity for him of course. You have to say it’s going to be tough for him because of the position he plays to play with a high ankle sprain.”

If McFadden doesn’t play, rookie William Gay is likely to see more playing time, especially in the nickel defense. The Steelers also have the potential of activating Ricardo Colclough, or using Allen Rossum for some reps.

“We’ll make those decisions along the way as we see where he is during the week,” said Tomlin.

Also on the injury front linebacker James Harrison suffered a knee contusion and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger a foot contusion on Sunday. Both players are expected to be limited in practice on Wednesday, but the injuries are not serious and they should be back to full strength before the end of the week.

Cornerback Deshea Townsend suffered a stinger early in the first quarter and left the game, but returned to finish out the game.

“We will be cautious with him simply being smart this week,” said Tomlin.

The Steelers hope to get wide receiver Hines Ward back after he missed the Cardinals game with a knee sprain.

“He had a good day of rehab (Monday),” said Tomlin. “I spoke with him and he feels good. We will take it day-to-day and see where he is. We’ll do what’s smart in that area but that decision will be determined later in the week.”

Rookie tight end Matt Spaeth is expected to return to action after being sidelined the last few weeks with a thigh bruise.