Tomlin: James Harrison, Troy Polamalu likely to play

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive veterans James Harrison and Troy Polamalu should play in Sunday's Week 5 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles, head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters on Tuesday. The Steelers' defense has yet to play a game with the former All-Pros in the lineup.

Harrison's return would end his recovery from a surgically repaired knee that has forced him to miss Pittsburgh's first three games of the regular season. The nine-year veteran returned to practice last Tuesday, but a few setbacks forced the Steelers to slowly bring him along.

Meanwhile, Polamalu will see his first action since the season-opener at the Denver Broncos. The 31-year-old Polamalu has been dealing with a calf injury.

The return of both players will be welcomed, as entering Week 5 the Steelers are ranked 30th in the league in quarterback sacks – in four of his last five seasons, Harrison has tallied double-digit sack totals. Both Harrison and Polamalu should upgrade the Steelers' pass rush and coverage tremendously.