Steelers coach Mike Tomlin announced, as expected, linebacker Ryan Shazier and safety Troy Polamalu will miss the team's Week 11 game at the Tennessee Titans Monday.
He also dropped a bit of a surprise. Nose tackle Steve McLendon is nursing a shoulder injury, and Tomlin noted McLendon may miss practice time because of it.
That could affect an injury-plagued Steelers defense negatively. Without Polamalu, Tomlin noted Shamarko Thomas will be evaluated this week as well. Both safeties missed the team's Week 10 loss at the Jets, forcing Will Allen into the starting lineup with Robert Golden getting rare playing time.
McLendon's absence would likely again lead to the starting nose tackle nod for Cam Thomas, and shifting rookie Stephon Tuitt into Thomas's starting defensive end spot.
Rookie Dan McCullers had 11 snaps compared to Tuitt's six last week, mildly suggestive McCullers could be an option as well. He saw his first time of the season in the team's last Monday Night Football game, a Week 7 win over the Houston Texans.
Shazier has been in and out of the lineup with a knee and an ankle injury. He'll miss his sixth game of the season Monday. Sean Spence has been starting opposite Lawrence Timmons in the Steelers' base defense and Vince Williams has been handling the role in nickel packages.
The Steelers and Titans are scheduled to kick off at 8:30 p.m. ET Monday, Nov. 17.
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Steelers vs. Titans: Troy Polamalu and Ryan Shazier out, Steve McLendon may be limited
Injuries will hinder Steelers defense again in Week 11.