Polamalu's Not Playing Which Means The Steelers Are In Trouble

After Thursday night's loss in Cleveland -- Pittsburgh's fifth loss in a row -- the Steelers now find themselves at just 6-7 overall, and currently on the outside looking in at the playoff picture. This week they face the Packers at home, knowing that they have to win out and still hope for some help to continue playing past December. It's a must-win game for the Steelers, which is why the news that safety Troy Polamalu will not play is devastating.

How devastating is it?

With last week's loss to the Browns, Pittsburgh is now just 2-7 without Polamalu, including losses to the Bears, Chiefs, and Raiders. With him playing, they are 4-0, with wins over the Vikings and Broncos (in Denver).

So, yeah -- the Steelers are in trouble. Defending Super Bowl champions not making the playoffs kind of trouble.

(Thanks Jeff)