Steelers second-year S Shamarko Thomas is training with Troy Polamalu in California this summer. As veteran CB Ike Taylor put it, it's not something to take lightly as Polamalu rarely invites others to work out with him over the summer. Thomas played just 184 defensive snaps as a rookie, with none of them coming in the last seven games when he was demoted to the No. 4 safety. Thomas is a highlight-reel hitter and is being groomed as Polamalu's successor at strong safety.

Even with SS Troy Polamalu excused from OTAs, 2013 fourth-round pick Shamarko Thomas is working with Pittsburgh's second-team defense. Mike Mitchell is the new free safety. Thomas appears to be the No. 4 safety, as Will Allen is running in Polamalu's spot. The Steelers' signing of Mitchell and extension of Polamalu speak to the unreadiness of Thomas, whom GM Kevin Colbert traded up to draft last April. Thomas played snaps at slot corner as a rookie, but struggled mightily. He did make seven tackles on special teams.

Steelers S Shamarko Thomas has been diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain, and is week to week. Thomas has been ruled out for Week 11. The Steelers' No. 3 safety, Thomas has played 193 snaps on defense this season, grading out negatively in Pro Football Focus' ratings.

Steelers rookie S Shamarko Thomas is done for the day in Week 10 with a left ankle injury. Thomas is Pittsburgh's third safety behind Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark. The Steelers traded up to draft him in the fourth round this past April.

Rookie S Shamarko Thomas could see snaps in the Steelers' nickel and dime packages. He's also expected to "spot" veteran safeties Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark. Teammate Ike Taylor has been impressed with Thomas' camp. "He's a monster," Taylor said. "A lot of people are going to be catching headaches or he's going to be catching headaches, it's going to be one or the other." A big hitter, Thomas drew a Bob Sanders comparison from NFL Network's Mike Mayock during the draft.

Steelers agreed to terms with No. 111 overall pick S Shamarko Thomas on a four-year contract. Thomas is expected to learn at the foot of Ryan Clark for one year before pushing for a starting job in 2014. He proved he can hit at Syracuse, racking up 16.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks and four forced fumbles. The question is if Thomas can cover. Clark is entering a contract year and will turn 34 in October.

The Steelers are expected to use fourth-round pick Shamarko Thomas as Ryan Clark's backup free safety as a rookie. The Steelers are talking up Thomas as a Bob Sanders-type of player. "He's not the biggest kid, but he certainly doesn't play that way," GM Kevin Colbert said of Thomas, who goes 5-foot-9, 213 but runs 4.42. "He leaves it on the field." Clark is entering his age-34 season and his contract expires in 2014.

ESPN.com's AFC North blogger Jamison Hensley thinks No. 111 pick Shamarko Thomas will likely start for the Steelers in 2014. Free safety Ryan Clark, 34 in October, will be a free agent next offseason, and SS Troy Polamalu, 32, has just two years left on his contract. Polamalu has also had trouble staying healthy. Thomas is a big-time hitter, but he doesn't cover all that well. He'll work as Pittsburgh's No. 3 safety in 2013.