Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, sidelined for six games by a knee injury, remains uncertain for Pittsburgh's NFL clash in Miami on Sunday.
Polamalu began running in a straight line only on Monday. He has not yet practised the cutting, turning and twisting moves he would need in a game.
"(Monday) was a positive step," coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday. "The door's not closed on him participating. ... He's just progressing, trying to get him ready, hopefully to play."
The five-time Pro Bowl player will be limited if he practices, Tomlin said. Last week, Polamalu said he probably needed a full week of practice before he could play again.
Polamalu said several weeks ago that he hoped to be ready to return against Miami, after suffering a sprained knee ligament in a game on November 15.
But he'll have to show he can make sharp changes of direction on the knee before he gets the nod.
"Yeah, no question," Tomlin said. "The unanticipated movement that comes with playing football, changing direction, dropping your weight and so forth, will be critical in him getting clearance to play. Absolutely."
The reigning Super Bowl champion Steelers must win at Miami to retain any chance of making the playoffs.
Tomlin said he expected wide receiver Hines Ward to play despite to hamstring injuries.
"Hines is miserable, but I'm going to save a seat on the bus for him," Tomlin said. "He's got two hamstrings and a myriad of other issues. It gives him a bad disposition, but he'll show. He's going to leave it out on the field. He's going to give us everything he has."
Copyright 2009 AFP American Edition
