The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to regain two of their biggest defensive playmakers by Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that both safety Troy Polamalu and linebacker James Harrison are expected to return from injury this week.

Polamalu missed two straight games this season with a strained right calf, while Harrison has yet to suit up this season after undergoing knee surgery in August.

"Based on what I am looking at on how we worked yesterday I think that is a safe assessment (they will play," Tomlin said Tuesday, according to the team's website. "We will watch these guys as we proceed throughout the week. All guys have performed well and were able to get through practice and we're optimistic that they're going to be full participants."

As of late the Steelers have struggled to generate much of a pass rush, and there hoping having the pair make a healthy return would help.

"We'll see what happens, but it's been a while since we've all been on the field together," Polamalu said Monday. "There are some other new faces out there who have been permanent starters, so it's all about how well 11 guys mesh on our defense."

The Steelers are also expected to see the return of running back Rashard Mendenhall, who suffered an ACL tear in the final game last season.

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