Polamalu likely to miss crucial game against Jets

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu missed practice for a third consecutive day because of a strained right Achilles’ tendon and a sore calf and is likely to miss Sunday’s game against the Jets.

Steelers players almost never play after sitting out an entire week of practice.

Polamalu apparently aggravated the injury during his 45-yard interception return touchdown against the Bengals on Sunday. He has been skipping Wednesday and Thursday practices for several weeks, but this is the first time he also missed a Friday practice.

If Polamalu can’t play, Ryan Clark would shift to strong safety and Ryan Mundy would play free safety.

Linebacker James Harrison (illness) practiced after being out two days. Tight end Heath Miller (concussion), who sat out Thursday’s practice with a headache, also practiced.

Harrison will use money given him by fans to help pay his NFL fines to throw a Christmas party for needy children and their families.

As Harrison accumulated $125,000 in fines for four different infractions, fans began sending him money to help pay them. Many were sent anonymously, so Harrison could not return them.

Harrison decided last month to take the money and start the James Harrison Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization that will assist children in emergency situations. The foundation’s first event will be a brunch with Santa Claus at Heinz Field today, with other Steelers expected to attend.

The foundation is designed to aid children with illnesses or disabilities and families in crisis situations.