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Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

James Harrison, Troy Polamalu Not Expected To Play Week 2, According To Report

The Steelers defense may lack two of its staples on Sunday.

September 9 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker (87) and Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) dive after the ball in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE
September 9 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker (87) and Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) dive after the ball in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE
September 9 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker (87) and Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) dive after the ball in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

James Harrison and Troy Polamalu are not expected to play in Sunday's showdown with the New York Jets, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac.

Both players missed practice on Friday, and are currently listed as questionable on the team’s injury report.

Harrison is recovering from Aug. 15 arthroscopic knee surgery, and did not play in last week's loss to the Denver Broncos.

Polamalu suffered a strained right calf last weekend in the Denver game, and has started in 18 consecutive regular-season games, dating back to 2010.

Harrison and Polamalu have been staples of the dominant Steelers defense for the last eight seasons.

Last week, Harrison was replaced by second-year linebacker Chris Carter. If Polamalu does not play Sunday, veteran Will Allen is likely to fill in.

For more on the Steelers, please be sure to visit our blog Behind The Steel Curtain and SB Nation Pittsburgh for all the latest news and updates. For more information on the rest of the league, please be sure to check out SB Nation’s Football Hub.

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