The Steelers on Tuesday took the unusual step by suspending rookie Alameda Ta'amu for two weeks without pay, punishing him before even the NFL office could sanction him -- and still could -- for being arrested Saturday in Pittsburgh. (US Presswire)

An emphatic coach Mike Tomlin on Tuesday announced a rare team move -- either by the Steelers or by many individual NFL clubs. The team suspended rookie and seldom-played NT Alameda Ta'amu for two weeks without pay. Ta'amu is not allowed at any team facility.

Such a disciplinary penalty normally seems to emanate from the commissioner's office, yet Tomlin said, "We felt it was very important to act and act quickly." Tomlin added that Ta'amu's weekend incident was "detrimental to our efforts."

Ta'amu was arrested early Sunday morning on 15 separate charges and traffic summary citations, including DUI among five felony charges relating to fleeing police and aggravated assault. His vehicle reportedly collided with several vehicles on the popular, bar-filled South Side of Pittsburgh, injuring one person, and he needed to be restrained by several Pittsburgh policemen before being arrested.

He is scheduled for an Oct. 23 hearing.

The league office was apparently consulted, because the Steelers possess a roster exemption with which they seem ready to sign an offensive lineman to back up their battered line. Tomlin said a handful of offensive line prospects were working out at the Steelers' facility Tuesday, and at least one could get signed.

The Steelers normally dress seven such linemen for games, but with two starters ailing and potentially absent this week, coaches are considering whether to swell the ranks and dress eight.

Injury update: Offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert apparently won't require surgery, Tomlin said of the diagnosis of Gilbert's trip to a North Carolina specialist for his foot injury. Gilbert likely will miss Sunday night's game at Cincinnati. Tomlin admitted S Troy Polamalu (calf) already can be declared out for Sunday.

Center Maurkice Pouncey (ankle) plus running backs Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) and Isaac Redman (ankle) are questionable and "day to day" decisions, Tomlin added.

Follow Steelers reporter Chuck Finder @CBSSteelers and @cfinder