Steelers injury report: Troy Polamalu, James Harrison still uncertain

After having a week off thanks to a bye in Week 4, the Pittsburgh Steelers hope that the time off will improve their injury situation. A trio of key players, Rashard Mendenhall, James Harrison and Troy Polamalu have all been out of the Pittsburgh lineup with injuries.

Mendenhall, the Steelers' top running back, is expected to return to the Steelers' backfield after being out with an ACL tear since the team's 2011 regular season finale.

The seven-time Pro Bowl safety, Polamalu has missed Pittsburgh's last two games with a calf injury, but said recently that the time off has him feeling better and that he is optimistic about returning for the Week 5 game against Philadelphia even though there has not been any official word on his status for the game.

The status of Harrison is far from clear early in the week. Harrison had arthroscopic knee surgery in August and returned to limited practice last week. The status of his knee and his progress to returning to game action will be determined as the week goes on.

The Steelers defense will definitely get back the services of linebacker Stevenson Sylvester who has been sidelined with a knee injury for the beginning of the season. Sylvester will dress for the first time in 2012 on Sunday.

The Steelers return to action on Sunday with a Week 5 matchup against the 3-1 Philadelphia Eagles. That game will kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Oct. 7 at Heinz Field.