By Teresa Varley
Steelers.com
The Steelers will be without guard Chris Kemoeatu on Sunday when they take on the Green Bay Packers at Heinz Field.
Kemoeatu, who missed the Ravens game on Nov. 29 with an MCL injury, has been hampered by other injuries which will force him to be sidelined this week.
"I really have studied him quite a bit over the last two weeks and it's an accumulation of injuries that are really rendering his play ineffective," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "He's got the right wrist that's forcing him to play one-handed at times. He's got the right knee, which he missed the Baltimore game with. When you really look at his play, this is a guy that's playing one-sided.
"You've got a great deal of admiration for his willingness to play amidst the circumstances, but just because he's willing doesn't mean it's the right thing to do. This guy is out there playing one-handed and one-legged at times, we're going to try to get him at a better physical state before we proceed with him."
Rookie Ramon Foster will start in his place, making his second start of the season. Foster started against the Ravens as well, holding his own against a tough defense.
Safety Troy Polamalu will also miss the Packers game, the fifth-straight game he will miss. The team thought he would be back sooner from a knee injury, but it hasn't healed as fast as they had anticipated.
"We got an MRI done on him Wednesday before we went to Cleveland and there's not enough healing there with his PCL," said Tomlin. "We're probably going to MRI him again, but just based on last Wednesday's MRI, he won't be playing."
Center Justin Hartwig had his knee drained on Monday, which could limit him in practice early in the week, but he is expected to play Sunday.
* *
Kickoff for the Steelers game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, December 20 has been changed to a 4:15 start.
The change was made as part of the NFL Flex Scheduling.
* *
The Steelers will team with the Central Blood Bank for the Steelers Blood Drive on Monday, December 28 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Heinz Field in the Steelers Locker Room. Donors can call 412-209-7080 to set up their appointment.
