PITTSBURGH (AP) — Now that the Steelers know Ben Roethlisberger will be suspended for four games, they’re about to get the answer to their second most-pressing question of the offseason.
Can Troy Polamalu’s twice-injured left knee stand up to the stress of another full NFL season?
Polamalu is one of the NFL’s most game-altering defensive players, a multitalented safety who is equally effective in covering the run, dropping into coverage and serving as a linebacker-like pass rusher.
The five-time Pro Bowl player missed 11 full games last season and most of two others, with a predictable effect on the Steelers’ defense.
The Steelers were 4-0 when Polamalu played more than a handful of snaps in a game. When he didn’t, they were 5-7. Pittsburgh hosts Atlanta on Sunday.
