Polamalu upgraded to probable status

The fourth-year safety suffered a concussion in last week's game with the Saints.
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu was upgraded Friday to probable and is expected to start Sunday in Cleveland despite sustaining his sixth concussion of his career last weekend.
The All-Pro safety was listed as questionable on the Steelers' first injury report of the week Wednesday, and missed part of practice that day, but did not miss any on-field time Thursday or Friday.
Also upgraded to probable was cornerback Deshea Townsend, who also received a concussion and injured an ankle Sunday in the Steelers' 38-31 victory over New Orleans.
The injuries to two of the four starters in their secondary forced the Steelers to use all of their available defensive backs against the Saints, including seldom-used cornerback Anthony Madison. Townsend practiced Friday after missing Wednesday and Thursday.
Bush tackle
Polamalu's concussion, which he received while tackling running back Reggie Bush in the first half, was his first since being drafted by the Steelers in 2003. He had three concussions at Southern Cal and two in high school, but has not missed an NFL game due to injury in four seasons.
"It was no big deal," Polamalu said of the concussion. "I feel good enough to go."
Doctors who have studied football-related concussions have generally concluded that the more concussions a player receives, the greater the risk for more concussions, though that does not apply to every player.
Before clearing Polamalu to play, the Steelers required him to pass a series of tests that measure reaction time, memory loss and brain function. The latest test was given Friday.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has had two concussions this year, one during the season. Like Polamalu, he was cleared to play again without missing a game.
Steelers center Jeff Hartings (knee) and linebacker James Harrison (ankle) also were upgraded to probable and are expected to play Sunday. Hartings has missed two games, and Harrison, one of the Steelers' best special teams players, sat out five games.
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