Troy Polamalu, S
The writing has been on the wall for some time now with Polamalu. After playing just five games in 2009, Polamalu returned the following season and proved to still be one of the best players in the game, winning NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors in the process.
Polamalu again made the Pro Bowl in 2011, recording 95 tackles and two picks. But the injury bug reared its ugly head again in 2012, costing the safety nine games and hurting the Steelers defense in the process.
To his credit, Polamalu actually played pretty well in the seven games he was actually on the field. He showed flashes of his former self and when he was fully healthy, he looked to be almost at an elite level once again.
But Troy will enter 2013 carrying an almost $16 million contract over the next two seasons. Given that the Steelers traded away a 2014 third rounder to bring in Syracuse's Shamarko Thomas and the current cap constraints Pittsburgh is under, Polamalu needs to stay healthy this season. Or it could be the end of an era.
Evander "Ziggy" Hood, DE
Since the Steelers made him the 32nd overall pick in 2009, Hood hasn't done a whole lot to justify that first round selection. In four seasons with the Steelers (three as a starter), Hood has never compiled more than 42 tackles in a single season. Only three of his tackles in 2012 came behind the line of scrimmage.
Hood has slightly improved each year he's been with the team, but not enough to garner the contract he'll undoubtedly be searching for following the season. Pittsburgh will have a tough decision facing them if Hood doesn't significantly improve.
Emmanuel Sanders, WR
Pittsburgh's offseason loss of Mike Wallace didn't make too many waves over Steeler Nation. It may have been because this had really been a foregone conclusion for some time now, but the fact remains the Steelers will miss Wallace's 4,042 career yards and 17.2 YPC average.
The guy pegged to take Wallace's place in the offense has a daunting task.
Emmanuel Sanders will enter his fourth season in Pittsburgh with an expiring contract and some big shoes to fill. Sanders has been a reliable slot receiver, but has had some issues staying healthy in the past.
The biggest question facing Sanders is can he be a starting receiver in the NFL? He did a nice job as a No. 3 last year, hauling in 44 passes for 626 yards, but he still has a lot to prove. If Sanders wants a longterm deal in Pittsburgh, he'll have to earn it in 2013.
Jason Worilds, OLB
The Steelers didn't make Worilds a second round pick in 2010 to see him develop into an average rotational player. But so far, that's exactly what they've gotten.
Worilds has had his opportunities, as well. In 2011, he started seven games filling in for LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison who both missed time with injuries. The result, a meager three sacks.
With Harrison off to Cincinnati, Worilds will get the first crack at the starting right outside linebacker job. But rookie first rounder Jarvis Jones will push him for time. Worilds is running out of time to make an impression on this coaching staff.
Marcus Gilbert, LT
It's pretty crazy to think Pittsburgh could give up on 25 year-old left tackle after just three seasons, but that could end up being the case with Gilbert.
The way this situation unfolds, Pittsburgh has an offense that needs to win now. The team may have a young backfield and receiving corps, but Ben Roethlisberger isn't getting any younger and without him, this offense sputters into the basement of the NFL.
Gilbert will be taking his first full-time snaps at left tackle this season and will replace the quiet stalwart Max Starks. In two short season, Gilbert has already missed 13 games due to injury. I doubt the Steelers would outright cut the third-year player, but another injury plagued or poor season could send Gilbert to the bench.
-- This article from: sports.yahoo
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