PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers veteran cornerback Ike Taylor won’t play Saturday night in an AFC wild-card game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Taylor has missed the past three games because of ankle and shoulder injuries, and starting cornerbacks William Gay and Brice McCain and nickel back Antwon Blake have played well during that span.
Taylor strongly hinted last week that he would not suit up against the Ravens even though he practiced every day last week.
McCain will start in place of Taylor while Troy Polamalu returns from a two-game absence to start at strong safety. Polamalu, an eight-time Pro Bowler, had been out because of a knee injury.
The Steelers are without starting running back Le’Veon Bell, who hyperextended his right knee last Sunday night -- rookie Josh Harris will start in his place -- but the Ravens are also without a key piece on offense.
Left tackle Eugene Monroe will miss his second consecutive game because of an ankle injury and rookie James Hurst will start in his place on a line that has been scrambled by injuries.
With right tackle Rick Wagner on injured reserve, the Ravens will start two rookies (Hurst and right guard John Urschel) and move Pro Bowl guard Marshal Yanda to right tackle.
There are no surprises among the Ravens inactives as Monroe and defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (foot) are joined on the list by tight end Phillip Supernaw, defensive tackles Terrence Cody and Casey Walker, cornerback Chris Greenwood and defensive end Steven Means.
The Steelers healthy scratches are wide receiver Lance Moore, tight end Michael Palmer, guard Chris Hubbard, defensive end Clifton Geathers and quarterback Landry Jones.
