What was presumed throughout most of the week was made official by the Steelers early Friday afternoon: LB James Harrison, S Troy Polamalu and RB Rashard Mendenhall all will sit out Sunday's game at the Oakland Raiders.
Polamalu (calf) and Harrison (knee) did not practice the entire week. Neither played in Sunday's win over the New York Jets; Harrison has yet to appear in a preseason or regular season game yet.
Mendenhall made strides this week as he nears a return from a torn ACL sustained Jan. 1. But the Steelers perhaps are considering the fact they have a bye week following the Oakland game. Also, Pittsburgh plays twice in five days after that Oct. 7-11.
LB Stevenson Sylvester also was ruled out as he continues to progress from a knee injury.
Other injury news: TE Heath Miller did return to practice and said he felt "fine" after missing the previous two days with sore rib cartilage. He is listed as probable and will play barring any setbacks. Miller also added that he will not wear any sort of flack jacket or special vest during the game.
Five other slightly banged-up significant contributors for the Steelers practiced fully Friday, are listed as probable and are cleared to play Sunday against the Raiders: WRs Mike Wallace and Emmanuel Sanders, RT Marcus Gilbert, RB Jonathan Dwyer and backup QB Byron Leftwich. Each missed a practice earlier this week due to a minor injury.
Rookie reserve OT Mike Adams is officially questionable due to a back injury.
Follow Steelers reporter Chris Adamski on Twitter @CBSSteelers and @BuzzsawPGH.
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