SteelerNation - Don't Get Too Hyped Over the Injury Report

Troy Polamalu (The Delicate Flower) Might
Be Set To Return To Action...

If you are like me, every Tuesday at noon you are either glued to your computer, radio, or Twitter to follow what is going on with Mike Tomlin's weekly press conference.  Yesterday, I was on my way to dreaded Baltimore when I was following the news on Twitter.  Tweet after tweet talking about good news regarding Antonio Brown, Jerricho Cotchery, Troy Polamalu, and even Ben Roethlisberger.  I was elated to see some of the stuff that was being said at the press conference.  After driving past the Ratbirds stadium on the way home I kept thinking about the injury report and how its kind of a glass and mirrors act by Mike Tomlin. 

Lets start with the biggest news / injury report.  Ben Roethlisberger's shoulder / rib injury.  It was reported that Ben would throw on Monday, and Tomlin said that happened (even though he didn't see him throw personally).  That news is good, but for some reason, my gut tells me that Ben will NOT play this weekend.  I can't say that I would blame the Steelers for holding him out one more week...as much as I'd LOVE to see him strut out of the tunnel in Baltimore.  SteelerNation needs to remember the goal is the playoffs...not the regular season.  Granted, I realize that without a good finish, the Steelers could be on the outside looking in at the postseason, but I think that Ben could be more suited for a strong finish if he is held out this week than if he is rushed back and possibly sees a setback that would keep him out for possibly the remainder of the year.  Good news from the press conference that might be just a ploy to make the Ravens plan for Ben and Batch. 

After that, you have some other huge news from the presser.  Troy Polamalu is finally going to be seen on a field and not just on commercials.  Twitter was blowing up with fans crooning about Troy coming back and helping the defense.  First, the defense has faired well without him...but I realize that the Steelers defense could be even more nasty with Troy in the lineup.  Second, I am not going to be happy until Troy plays in a GAME and doesn't have any issues following that game.  He has become a delicate flower and that is something the Steelers would be smart to realize.  Keep Will Allen in the regular rotation if you have to, but you need to keep Troy healthy.  Again, awesome news that could turn south quickly if he re-injures his leg in practice or in his first game action.

Luckily for SteelerNation, the Steelers' WR corps should get a much needed lift this weekend when Antonio Brown returns.  This is one that you can't get too hyped for because Antonio Brown is a HUGE part of the Steelers' offense.  Brown has been out since spraining his ankle in the Giants game, and his absence has been glaring.  Mike Wallace has been a no-show since the Giants game, Emmanuel Sanders has been solid, and no one else besides Heath Miller has been relevant in the passing game.  The fact that Jerricho Cotchery is also a possibility to return is a huge relief in the passing attack.  Throw Plaxico Burress into the mix and you can have one dynamite group. 

I feel like SteelerNation is unbelievably excited for the game this Sunday after Tomlin's weekly news conference, but what everyone needs to remember is that although this is a HUGE game, it isn't a "win and in" or a "lose and go home" game.  There is still a chance for the Steelers to get into the playoffs, and if they do and they STAY healthy...they can win it all, in my opinion.  Lets hope we see Troy, Antonio, Jerricho, and maybe even Ben suit up and not only play, but that they STAY HEALTHY!!