PITTSBURGH – Will Allen is the next man up for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The 11-year veteran will start for injured strong safety Troy Polamalu when the Steelers (6-3) face the New York Jets (1-8) on Sunday.
Polamalu suffered a knee sprain near the end of the first half against the Ravens and already has been ruled out. Polamalu's whirling-dervish defensive style is difficult to replicate, and his Pro Bowl credentials are tough to match as well, but Allen noted that no adjustments are necessary.
Allen will be paired with free safety Mike Mitchell, who is in his first season with the Steelers. While Polamalu worked out on his own this past spring and didn't participate during the preseason, Allen and Mitchell played together.
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