Steelers’ big win comes at big price

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor have been playing alongside each other for a dozen years, a union even longer than Polamalu’s marriage.

Fate dealt the cornerstones of the Pittsburgh Steelers secondary an unwanted separation.

Taylor underwent surgery Monday to repair the right forearm he broke in the third quarter of Sunday night’s 37-19 win over Carolina, the most serious of a handful of injuries that tempered some of the joy of a dominant performance.

“I’m deeply affected by it,” Polamalu said. “But he’s tough and I know he’ll be back.”

Just not anytime soon.

The Steelers (2-1) also lost linebackers Ryan Shazier and Jarvis Jones in the third quarter. Shazier sprained the MCL in his right knee when linebacker Lawrence Timmons accidentally collided with the rookie at the end of a play. Jones went to the locker room with a busted wrist moments after causing a fumble by Carolina quarterback Cam Newton that swung the momentum permanently in Pittsburgh’s favor.

Shazier spent Monday walking around with his right leg in a brace, while Jones had his wrist evaluated. Neither injury is expected to be season ending. Taylor’s situation is far more precarious, a stunning development for a player who has missed just seven games since 2003.

“It’s a shock because Ike never gets hurt,” cornerback Cortez Allen said. “He’s the most durable guy I know.”

One of grittiest too. While some of Taylor’s teammates dropped to a knee upon seeing his arm dangling after a freak collision with Timmons while the two tried to complete a tackle, Taylor turned to the sideline and told nickelback William Gay to get ready.

“He gave us that look when he left the field, like, ‘You all better win this game, because I broke my arm for you,”’ Gay said.

The substitutes more than held their own. The Steelers led 16-3 when Taylor disappeared into the tunnel. An hour later they were walking off the field with their most impressive road win in four years.

Harrison hints at return

James Harrison is itching to get back to work. The commute could be an easy one.

The five-time Pro Bowl linebacker posted a thinly veiled message via Instagram on Monday night that hinted at an imminent return to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Harrison signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Steelers on Sept. 5.

Harrison tweeted “I’ll give it one more year” while linking to a video in which he asks his two sons if they want him to play football.

They hesitate, but when prompted that if he played for the Steelers he could stay home, his sons answer yes emphatically.