The good news is that Troy Polamalu wants to play. The bad news is we’ve seen in the past what happens when he plays and then gets hurt, and how the defense for the Steelers goes down.

So with that, it was maybe the funniest line of the presser Sunday when coach Mike Tomlin was asked as to why Polamalu was given a day off.

His quote – “he has a contusion to the birth certificate.”

Yes, a ‘contusion.’ For those that are not aware of what a contusion is – here’s the meaning – An injury in which the skin is not broken; a bruise.

In other words, reading between the lines – Polamalu is old.

It’s good that Tomlin can keep things light, but even more important – better he keeps the safety off the field some days to make sure he’s around when it really counts the most.