Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday he believes safety Troy Polamalu and running back Willie Parker will be able to play Sunday vs. the Cleveland Browns.
However, defensive end Aaron Smith has a torn right rotator cuff and will have surgery that will sideline him for three months, scout.com reported.
Tomlin said he expects Polamalu and Parker to practice Wednesday. Polamalu has been out since Week One with a knee injury and Parker has missed the last two games with turf toe.
Polamalu's return would strengthen a defense that has surrendered 55 of its 98 points allowed in the fourth quarter. The Steelers have played to the over in their last three games, giving up an average of 23.7 points.
Parker was the starter before his injury and was being spotted by Mewelde Moore. In Parker's absence, Rashard Mendenhall - who was limited to not much more than special teams when Parker was healthy - amassed 242 yards and three TDs on the ground.
Between Mendenhall's two strong games, offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said Parker was still the starter. Given Parker's injury, Mendenhall may remain the feature back.
Smith is second on the Steelers with two sacks and also has blocked a pass. He probably will be replaced by 12-year veteran Travis Kirschke.
The Steelers are giving 14 points to the Browns with a total of 38. Over the last three seasons, Pittsburgh is 4-3 against the spread when favored by double digits.