Sports

Troy Polamalu (shoulder) practiced Wednesday, and all indications point to the All-Pro safety playing Monday night in Jacksonville. Polamalu didn't talk to reporters following practice because he was getting treatment for his shoulder. However, one of his closest friends on the team wasn't surprised to see Polamalu in uniform a day after Steelers coach Bill Cowher listed him as questionable for Monday's 8:30 p.m. game.

"Even when he's hurt he doesn't show it," said safety Mike Logan, who will start if Polamalu is unable to play. "No matter what's going on with him or his life, once he steps on the football field, it's all gone, and he's back to just playing football. It's amazing to see a guy like that."

Cowher said Tuesday he did not know when Polamalu got hurt during the Miami game. Linebacker Larry Foote seemed surprised there was a question of whether Polamalu would play against the Jaguars.

"I didn't really hear anything about him (being hurt)," Foote said.

• Wide receiver Hines Ward (probable) did some light running and stretching at practice yesterday and had some fun after it. Walking around the Steelers locker room with a KDKA microphone and a cameraman in tow, Ward asked a handful of his teammates the following question: Who is the commissioner of the NFL? He got more blank stares than commissioner Roger Goodell probably cares to know about and one beauty of an answer from James Harrison. After listening to the question, the reserve linebacker paused and said, "James Harrison."

• The big fans that keep the indoor practice facility cool at the UPMC complex didn't start cranking until after the players started walking off the field. And that was not a coincidence. The humidity in Florida has long given NFL teams there even more of a home-field advantage in September. The Steelers practiced in temperatures that were a shade under 84 degrees to get used to the weather they will encounter in Jacksonville.

"It was hot in there," Foote said. "Coach Cowher said he was going to put it at 80, but it was a little hotter than 80. We were sweating, and guys were off for a couple of days so it was a good thing."

Cowher said weather won't be as much of a factor as it usually is this early in Florida since the game will be played at night. The warm conditions the Steelers practiced in probably made reserve running back Najeh Davenport feel at home. Davenport, who practiced with the Steelers for the first time, played his college ball at the University of Miami (Fla.).

• Tight end Jerame Tuman (hamstring) is still listed as questionable even though he practiced yesterday. Wide receiver Nate Washington (knee), who also practiced, is probable. Five Jacksonville players are questionable, including three starters: linebacker Mike Peterson (knee), defensive end Paul Spicer (groin) and defensive tackle Marcus Stroud (ankle).

---

Digits

21 - Carries Steelers running back Willie Parker had in last year's game against Jacksonville at Heinz Field.

55 - Yards gained by Parker in that game.

234 - Yards rushing Jaguars running back Fred Taylor had at Pittsburgh in 2000, which still represents his career best.

246 - Total yards Jacksonville had in last year's game.

- Scott Brown

• Most Read
• Most E-mailed
• Latest News