ALAMEDA -- The Raiders will not have to account for two of the Pittsburgh Steelers' top defensive players on Sunday, as safety Troy Polamalu (calf) and linebacker James Harrison (knee) have been ruled out. Harrison has not played this season and Polamalu was injured in the Steelers' season opener against Denver. Without them, the Steelers held the New York Jets last week to 219 yards and 10 points.
"We've got to prepare for the scheme and we've got to understand where those guys are going to fit within the scheme," Raiders head coach Dennis Allen said. "They've got very capable backups, they played well last week."
Ryan Mundy will likely start at safety in place of Polamalu with Chris Carter, who has started both games this season, replacing Harrison. The Steelers will also be without running back Rashard Mendenhall, who is recovering from knee surgery but was listed all week as a full participant in practices.
The Raiders have ruled out tackle Khalif Barnes (groin) and cornerback Shawntae Spencer (foot). Players designated as questionable are David Ausberry (shoulder), Coye Francies (concussion), Mike Goodson (hamstring), Sebastian Janikowski (left groin), Taiwan Jones (ribs), Rolando McClain (concussion, ankle), Alex Parsons (shoulder) and Richard Seymour (knee).
McClain was limited in practice today. Allen said he's at "pretty much the same place" that long snapper Jon Condo in the league concussion protocol at this point last week. Condo was cleared to play at Miami. Goodson did not practice today.
-- Matt Kawahara
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