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Steelers Expected To Get 3 Key Defensive Starters Back

Aug 16, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (43) stands on the sidelines prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 16, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (43) stands on the sidelines prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

When the Pittsburgh Steelers return from their bye week in Week 13, they are expected to have three key starters returning on the defensive side of the ball.


The Pittsburgh Steelers’ bye week came at the right time.

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With injuries plaguing the defense, the Steelers had an opportunity to get healthy during the bye week in anticipation of their Week 13 return to the field against the New Orleans Saints.

Thanks to the extra rest, the Steelers are now expected to have three key defensive starters returning to the lineup on Sunday.

The three players on track to return to the starting lineup are safety Troy Polamalu, cornerback Ike Taylor and linebacker Ryan Shazier. Getting the two veterans back in the secondary will really help the team as it prepares to stop Drew Brees and company.

As an added bonus, linebacker Jarvis Jones has returned to practice and is one step closer to his own return to the starting lineup.

“It is perfect timing. It’s about to be December,” Jones said, via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “This is the time we need everybody. It was wonderful to see Troy, Ryan, [Ike] and myself out there. It is a blessing to get everybody back and make a run at this.”

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