Steelers expect Polamalu, Hampton to play vs. Seattle

Published: Oct 02, 2007 at 01:17 PM

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu and nose tackle Casey Hampton, forced out of the Arizona game with injuries, are expected to play Sunday against Seattle.

"All indications are that they will be fine," coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday.

The Steelers aren't as certain about four-time Pro Bowl receiver Hines Ward, who missed only his fourth game in 10 seasons Sunday because of a sprained knee. He will begin the practice work week Wednesday listed as day to day.

"He had a good day of rehab," Tomlin said. "I spoke with him and he feels good. We will take it day to day and see where he is. We'll do what's smart in that area, but that decision will be determined later in the week."

While Polamalu and Hampton couldn't finish the Steelers' 21-14 loss to the Cardinals, Tomlin did not initially list them when he reviewed the team's injuries at his weekly news conference.

"We expect these guys to be OK," Tomlin said.

Also expected back is rookie tight end Matt Spaeth, who has missed two games with a bruised quadriceps after catching a touchdown pass in each of the Steelers' first two games.

However, the Steelers will go against the Seahawks (3-1) without cornerback Bryant McFadden, who has a severely sprained ankle that could sideline him a month.

McFadden, the primary backup to starters Deshea Townsend and Ike Taylor, will be replaced in extra-back alignments by rookie William Gay or fourth-year defensive back Ricardo Colclough.

The injuries to Polamalu and Hampton left the Steelers (3-1) without two Pro Bowl defensive players during what became their first loss of the season, with Arizona rallying from a 7-0 deficit by scoring 21 consecutive points.

Polamalu strained an abdominal muscle while recovering a fumble in the second quarter and Hampton injured a hamstring.

Ben Roethlisberger also bruised his foot when someone stepped on it, but Tomlin said it's "no big deal" although the quarterback may not go through a full practice Wednesday.

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