Steelers expecting to get Polamalu, Shazier back

The Steelers are very optimistic that they will be close to full health on their beleaguered defense when they come out of their bye for practice this week, according to league sources, with several key players on the mend. Pittsburgh has struggled with consistency and proficiency on its once-potent defense this season, and had five important contributors out in Week 11's comeback win at Tennessee.

The Steelers expect future Hall of Fame safety Troy Polamalu (knee) to play next week, and are also confident that rookie linebacker Ryan Shazier (ankle), who was emerging at the core of their defense when not injured, will be back for their game against the Saints. Emerging safety Shamarko Thomas (Achilles) is also making good progress and is expected back after the bye.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/24833412/steelers-expecting-to-get-troy-polamalu-ryan-shazier-back-on-d

I'd like to see Troy and Shemarko out there together. I doubt it will happen but I'd like to see if they can develop chemistry. Can't be any worse than Mitchell. He sucks! (I think I'll go kill myself now) or MAYBE NOT.

solardave wrote:

I'd like to see Troy and Shemarko out there together. I doubt it will happen but I'd like to see if they can develop chemistry.

Shamarko: "Troy, can you give me some advice?"

Troy: "When I was a young safety, we had to walk to practice barefoot in the snow. Uphill. Both ways. Now get off my turf."

I cannot wait to have us get back to full strength. We are in the critical part of the season and we definitely need all hands on deck.

get healthy, stay healthy, and make another run through the playoffs to play in February

I want to see Shamarko and Shazier play a good game.

I like both these guys and want to see them succeed.

I want to see them play exceptionally well, but stay healthy. We need this team in full health in order to make a run in the playoffs.

If we sustain injuries like we did against the Panthers, I believe it will be the end of our playoff push.

Health is for sure what we need now. Last week off seems to be just what the DR. ordered if everyone (Shazier, Troy, Shemarko, and Jones are back 100%) I'm pretty sure Jones is still out though. Amirite?

Yeah he has 2 more weeks to prove he can play off the short term DL, but if he cannot, his season is over.

Gingerchip wrote:

I want to see Shamarko and Shazier play a good game.

I like both these guys and want to see them succeed.

I really like them too, I thought Shamarko would be ahead alot more then where he is now. I know he is still raw but seems like the injury bug is getting him alot.

So finally, against Atlanta? I'd really love to see our #1 draft pick stay healthy and develop into the beast I know he will be.