The Oakland Raiders (0-2) will be getting a considerable break Sunday with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) officially electing to sit LB James Harrison, S Troy Polamalu and RB Rashard Mendenhall, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Most people have been operating under the assumption that Pittsburgh would be without the services of these three all week, but the news was confirmed by the team Friday.
Harrison (knee) and Mendenhall (recovering from ACL) have yet to appear in a preseason or regular season game in 2012. Both seemed to be close to returning and should be able to get back on the field following the Steelers' Week 4 bye.
Polamalu (calf) missed last Sunday's win over the New York Jets and his absence is likely the most damaging of the three for Pittsburgh. Running back Darren McFadden will have a much better shot at getting back on track without a headhunter like Polamalu flying around the field.
In other injury news, Steelers tight end Heath Miller returned to practice Friday and is expected to play through his sore rib cartilage ailment without any sort of protective vest. WR Mike Wallace, WR Emmanuel Sanders, RB Jonathan Dwyer and RT Marcus Gilbert are all also listed as probable and expected to be ready to go.
For more coverage of Sunday's game from the Raiders perspective, head on over to Silver and Black Pride. To get a better look at their opponent, pay a visit to Behind the Steel Curtain.