Skip to main content

Michael Lombardi: Troy Polamalu injury a sign of age

There comes a time in every man's life when the body just doesn't bounce back like it used to. Aches and pains linger. It's a little bit harder to get out of bed the next morning.

Schein: The Steelers' saviors

The Steelers have flaws. They also have Big Ben and Mike Tomlin. And that, Adam Schein says, means they have a shot. **More ...**

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu has reached that age, according to NFL.com and NFL Network analyst Michael Lombardi.

Polamalu will miss a third consecutive game with a calf injury that just won't go away. Lombardi called it "an old-man injury" Sunday on NFL Network's "First on the Field." Polamalu has played in just two games this season because of injury.

Father Time does seem to be creeping up on the 10-year NFL veteran. Injuries have become a regular issue with Polamalu. The Steelers' defense is designed to take advantage of the his unique ability to freelance and blow up plays in the backfield without ignoring his safety responsibilities. They've missed the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.