Pittsburgh Steelers are not only missing their top safety Troy Polamalu, his absence is quite glaring with the current Super Bowl champions performance down the stretch in the last three games he has missed since his left knee injury against the Tennessee Titans in their season opener at home.

Polamalu, who could likely return to practice this week, on a limited basis, has been sorely missed by the defense as the Steelers have struggled in the 4th quarter.

Just over the weekend against the San Diego Chargers, the Steelers were ahead by 28 points deep in the third quarter. With a blink of an eye, their lead was down to a single score as the defense collapse when it was crucial the most.

The Steelers are known for their smash-mouth defense and not their current collapse when it counts. Polamalu is an important figure and without him they have not been able to handle the opposing offense as they seem to struggle after the break.

In games against the Chicago Bears, late against the Cincinnati Bengals and the Chargers, they are lacking Polamalu’s veteran presence and leadership on the field and it showed as they won only one of those three games.

Luckily for head coach Mike Tomlin, as mentioned earlier, Polamalu could return on a limited basis.

"Troy's been doing well and progressing well," Tomlin said. "He may participate in a limited basis tomorrow in practice with a brace on for individual (drills), to see how he runs around and changes direction. Last week, he ran some in a straight line to pretty solid reviews. We'll take another step to see where he is.

The Steelers need Polamalu back, not only for the defense but also the overall result. As the team gets back to winning ways, they will have to contend with a very good Baltimore Ravens in the same AFC north division.

The Ravens are quite set on offense and their defense is legendary so the Steelers would give anything to get their top safety back in time for their next big game against the undefeated Minnesota Vikings with Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson later this month.

No one knows for sure if the All-Pro safety will play Sunday at Detroit against the Lions, but hopefully Polamalu’s presence in practice will give the team the added boost needed to close out opponents in crucial moments the rest of the season, especially in the 4th.

The good part is coach Tomlin has the luxury to rest Polamalu or maybe test him out in the next two games against the Lions and the winless Cleveland Browns.