By Teresa Varley
Steelers.com
The Steelers defeated the Titans on Thursday night, but in doing so lost safety Troy Polamalu for somewhere between three to six weeks with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee.
Coach Mike Tomlin wasn't sure of the severity following the game, giving the time estimate based on early news.
* "I don't know at this point," said Tomlin. "They are reading the scans and so forth. Those things have a range of three-to-six (weeks). It is speculation at this point. I'm sure there is a possibility of it but I don't have any concrete evidence that there is anything more than that."
Polamalu, who left the game in the first half, was replaced in the lineup by Tyrone Carter and Tomlin said that expectations remain the same no matter who is on the field.
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"The standard is the standard for the 11 men on the field for us," said Tomlin. "They made some plays on us because they are a good football team. Their quarterback is good with the football. Their running game got clicking there at times cutting the ball back on us with some of their zone-scheme blocking. It is just a tough get when you play good people. Our guys hung in there. Fortunately we were able to be victorious."
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Steelers Chairman Emeritus Dan Rooney, Sr. was back at Heinz Field on Thursday for the Steelers-Titans game, returning from his new duties as U.S. Ambassador to Ireland.
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Rooney enjoyed the atmosphere for the home opener, marveling at the high energy.
"It's exciting. It reminds you of a playoff game really," said Rooney. "I am really pleased the way it worked out."
Music superstar Harry Connick, Jr., a New Orleans native who is a Saints fan, was thrilled to be a part of the NFL's 2009 Kickoff, singing the National Anthem prior to the game.
"I just met Franco Harris," said an enthused Connick. "It's just so cool to be around this whole deal. It's a great honor.
"Pittsburgh is one of my favorite towns, it always has been. The people have been great every time I have come here to perform."
Connick was honored to be singing the National Anthem, particularly on the eve of Sept. 11 with family members of those lost on Flight 93 on the field with him, something he said was very emotional.
"For me the most important part is being able to sing the National Anthem because it's such a tribute to our country," said Connick. "Every time I sing it at an event I think about the words and what they meant.
"We live in greatest country in the world and we have survived a lot of hardships and travesty and tragedy. I am just honored to be out there with them. I hope that time can heal their wounds."
