Polamalu practices

Strong safety Troy Polamalu was a limited participant in the Steelers practice Friday – the first time since week five of the season. Polamalu has played in only two games this season – he injured his calf in the season opener at Denver, missed the next two games, then started against Philadelphia on Oct. 7 but re-aggravated the calf injury early in that game. He has not played since.

Polamalu did not speak with reporters after practice, but Will Allen, who has started the past five games at strong safety in Polamalu’s absence likened Polamalu’s progress to receiving a Christmas gift at Thanksgving.

Free safety Ryan Clark is glad to have Polamalu on the mend, but doesn’t want the perennial all-pro back in the lineup until he is at full health.

“We want him to play. We want to have him out there. We know what he brings to the team, both physically and emotionally. We know what kind of lift he can give us, to have him out there. But we don’t want him out there if he’s not healthy – we don’t want him to re-injure himself and be on the shelf longer. We want him for the stretch run, so if it takes practicing today, then getting out next week and practicing a little bit more, that’s what it takes.”

 Polamalu is officially listed as doubtful.