Consider what the player thought by some to be the best safety on the planet said Wednesday about his absence -- and its impact on a Steelers' defense that has failed to protect fourth-quarter leads in the last two games. "I really feel I wouldn't have made a difference in either of those two games," Polamalu said. That's not to say Polamalu hasn't shown a sense of urgency since spraining the medial collateral ligament in his left knee. He has been lifting and doing cardiovascular work, and yesterday, the five-time Pro Bowler took a significant step toward returning when he ran for the first time since getting hurt. "It would be nice to play this weekend," said Polamalu, who hurt his knee Sept. 10, when Tennessee Titans tight end Alge Crumpler fell on his left leg. "We'll see." Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
