Chris Gardner, Associated Press San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson, bottom, is taken down by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Bart Scott in the first quarter Sunday in Baltimore. Click photo for larger image.

Troy Polamalu, who already has unorthodox training routines, has concocted an unusual recipe for getting healthy.

The Steelers' strong safety has been plagued by an injured right shoulder since the opener against Miami.

He played each of the past two games, although he was listed as questionable for each.

Over the past three days, Polamalu went through an intense rehabilitation routine that he described as "Eating junk food and watching movies."

"That's the truth," Polamalu added for the disbelieving. "Relax the mind, the body follows."

Polamalu, who disdains the use of weights to train, has mocked the regimen in training camp and the use of Gatorade as a thirst-quencher, practiced again yesterday.

Despite his shoulder injury, the two-time Pro Bowl strong safety has not missed a practice this year.

"It feels great, really good," Polamalu said.

And the movie he watched that helped the healing process?

"My wife and I watched 'Spaceballs'."

Davenport hurt in practice

Halfback Najeh Davenport, who came to the Steelers with a history of injuries, was injured in practice yesterday and limped off the field with an ice bag wrapped around his lower right leg.

Davenport has dressed but not played in the past two games since he signed with the Steelers Sept. 8, the day after their opener. He was cut by Green Bay.

Coach Bill Cowher should update Davenport's injury today. If he cannot go, Duce Staley probably would dress for only his second game. Staley was active only for the opening game, and he saw action in just one play.

Stopping Tomlinson a must

Stopping halfback LaDainian Tomlinson will be the Steelers' first priority when they play in San Diego Sunday night, many of their defensive players said. Tomlinson has 300 yards rushing and 11 receptions after three games. He had 1,462 yards and 18 touchdowns rushing last season and another 51 receptions.

"We have to get the lead and make them kind of throw the ball, keep pressuring them," defensive end Brett Keisel said. "Get the ball out of his hands, that's the best way to stop him. Make them throw the ball. Watching him on film today, he's the best back in the league, I think."

Tomlinson has 7,661 career rushing yards as he wades into his sixth NFL season, a Chargers record.

The Steelers did a good job of it Oct. 10, when he ran 18 times for 62 yards in the Steelers' 24-22 victory in San Diego, although he caught seven passes for another 68 yards.

"He is fast, strong, has a low center of gravity," linebacker James Farrior said. "He has great vision, he can see anywhere on the field. He can take the ball basically anywhere once he gets it. And he can catch.

"I think for us the key is to stop the run. They don't want to put too much pressure on the quarterback, because he's still learning. Why not try to get it to the best player on the team?"

Quick hits

Ben Roethlisberger's passer rating of 34.3 is second-lowest among ranked quarterbacks in the NFL. He's the only ranked quarterback with no touchdown passes ... The Steelers are 25th in the NFL on offense -- 28th passing and 11th rushing. They are 11th on defense, fourth rushing and 20th passing.