Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu worked lightly for the third day in a row, but he is not expected to play Sunday in Detroit and will probably return Oct. 18 against the Cleveland Browns.

Also, running back Willie Parker did not practice again today and will not play against the Lions, meaning Rashard Mendenhall will make his second consecutive start. Parker said he will probably be able to return next week against the Cleveland Browns.

Parker's absence does not mean the Steelers will re-sign Isaac Redman to the 53-man roster for the Lions, like they did against the San Diego Chargers. .

Redman was signed last week because the Steelers were without Parker and rookie tight end David Johnson, who also lines at fullback. But Johnson went through a full practice today and is expected to play against the Lions, meaning the Steelers will have four players available they can line at either running back or fullback.

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