Aug 10, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Shamarko Thomas (29) gestures on the field before playing the New York Giants at Heinz Field. The New York Giants won 18-13. Mandatory Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to face off against the Detroit Lions and their high octane passing attack in Week 11, but the team’s chances of slowing down Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson has taken a big hit.

Rookie safety Shamarko Thomas has seen plenty of time in the team’s quarter package, which brings three safeties and three cornerbacks onto the field, but he will not be able to play on Sunday against Detroit and he is considered “week-to-week” after being diagnosed with a high ankle sprain.

Thomas suffered the injury during the Steelers Week 10 win over the Buffalo Bills, which was their third victory of the year.

Without Thomas in the line up, the Steelers will need to hope that either Robert Golden or veteran Will Allen will be able to step up.

Slowing down the third-ranked Lions passing attack was already going to be a difficult challenge for the Steelers secondary, but now they are really in danger of getting exposed early and often when they take the field on Sunday.