PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu and cornerback Ike Taylor were full participants in practice Wednesday, adding intrigue to what the team will do with the veteran defensive backs Saturday night.
Polamalu (knee) has missed the last two games and Taylor (forearm and shoulder) hasn't played since the Steelers' 42-21 win Dec. 7 at Cincinnati.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin did not commit to Polamalu, an eight-time Pro Bowler, regaining his starting job when he is healthy enough to play. Will Allen has started the last two games at strong safety while Brice McCain has been playing in place of Taylor with Antwon Blake serving as the nickel back.
McCain intercepted two passes last Sunday night in a 27-17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Blake forced a fumble and recovered it, helping the Steelers win their first AFC North title since 2010.
The Steelers host the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC wild-card playoff game Saturday night.
The Steelers are in decent shape from an injury standpoint aside from the hyperextended knee that kept running back Le'Veon Bell out of practice Wednesday. Bell said he did light running and also rode a stationary bike and will try to do more Thursday.
Offensive tackle Mike Adams did not practice because of an illness while nose tackle Steve McLendon (shoulder) and tight end Michael Palmer (groin) were limited in drills.
