Steelers vs. Ravens: Troy Polamalu could play a 'significant role'

After practicing fully in back-to-back days this week, Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu could play a pretty large role as the team gets set to face their arch rival Baltimore Ravens this Sunday afternoon.

According to a report from Alan Robinson of the Tribune-Review on Thursday, Polamalu's participation in the team's practices on Wednesday and Thursday were his first since he re-aggravated a torn right calf injury on Oct. 7.

Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau said in the report that while Polamalu may not yet be ready to play a complete game, he will have plenty of opportunities to make his presence felt.

Here's LeBeau on Polamalu's rehabilitation progress , from Robinson's article:

"I don't think he will be able to be out there every snap, but he is going to be able to take a significant role. He has been idle for a good while. ... He is in good shape. His aerobic conditioning is good, but I think his football conditioning needs some development."

Polamalu hasn't played since the Steelers' 16-14 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5, and, along with that game, has only appeared in one other contest this season: Pittsburgh's season-opening 31-19 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sept. 9.