Polamalu was hurt during a 27-0 loss Sunday at Baltimore, and the team initially felt the injury might be serious. Tests revealed a second-degree knee sprain, and coach Bill Cowher said Tuesday that surgery is not needed.
The All-Pro safety has not missed a game to injury in his four NFL seasons. He received a concussion Nov. 12 against New Orleans and sat out most of the game, but returned to play at Cleveland the following week.
Polamalu's injury leaves the Steelers without two of their best players for Tampa Bay. Wide receiver Hines Ward will miss one game and likely two after undergoing left knee surgery Monday to remove two bone fragments.
The Steelers play two games in five days _ Tampa Bay on Sunday and Cleveland on Dec. 7 _ and the compact schedule may keep Ward out for an additional game.
