Tomlin preps for first so-called meaningless game of his Steelers coaching career

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, right, makes a point to field judge Mike Weir (50) during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec 23, 2012. The Bengals won 13-10. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) (The Associated Press)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) walks off the field after the Steelers' 13-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) (The Associated Press)

For the first time in his six-year head coaching career, Mike Tomlin will head into a game with his team already eliminated from playoff contention.

Tomlin insists he isn't going to treat the week of preparation any differently.

A day after his Pittsburgh Steelers were knocked out of the postseason race with a loss to Cincinnati, Tomlin vowed that injuries would be the only factor dictating lineup changes for the regular-season finale Sunday.

Don't look for an abundance of younger players auditioning for 2013 jobs.

Among those who won't play for the Steelers (7-8) against the Cleveland Browns (5-10) is tight end Heath Miller, who sustained multiple torn ligaments in his right knee during the loss to the Bengals.

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