clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Troy Polamalu, James Harrison likely to play for Steelers against Eagles

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive veterans James Harrison and Troy Polamalu should play in Sunday's Week 5 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles, head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters on Tuesday. The Steelers' defense has yet to play a game with the former All-Pros in the lineup.

Harrison's return would end his recovery from a surgically repaired knee that has forced him to miss Pittsburgh's first three games of the regular season. The nine-year veteran returned to practice last Tuesday, but a few setbacks forced the Steelers to slowly bring him along.

Meanwhile, Polamalu will see his first action since the season-opener at the Denver Broncos. The 31-year-old Polamalu has been dealing with a calf injury.

The return of both players will be welcomed, as entering Week 5 the Steelers are ranked 30th in the league in quarterback sacks – in four of his last five seasons, Harrison has tallied double-digit sack totals. Both Harrison and Polamalu should upgrade the Steelers' pass rush and coverage tremendously.

This story originally appeared at SB Nation.

Photographs by dizfunk used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.