Polamalu has decided to retire from the NFL after 12 seasons, the Herald-Standard reports. Polamalu has had a highly-decorated career for the Steelers, making eight Pro Bowls and earning four first-team All-Pro honors, playing in 158 games over the course of his career. In addition to that, he accumulated 710 tackles, 35 interceptions, 13 forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and won three Super Bowls. The Steelers will have a tough time replacing the veteran safety's presence and leadership defensively, but they will now have to do so.

Polamau had a team-high eight tackles (five solo) in Pittsburgh's 30-17 Wild Card loss to Baltimore on Saturday. After missing four games this season, including the final two, Polamalu looked sharp, but it wasn't enough to avoid their first home playoff loss since 2007.

Coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Polamalu (knee) will start in Saturday's AFC Wild Card matchup against the Ravens, ESPN.com's Scott Brown reports. There was never much doubt about Polamalu's status after he practiced all week and was listed as probable on the team's final injury report. The veteran safety has missed four games this season due to injury and has predictably seen his production suffer. He's forced just one turnover across his 12 games.

Polamalu (knee) is listed as probable for Saturday's game against the Ravens, ESPN.com reports. As is cornerback Ike Taylor, with Polamalu likely on track to start at strong safety for the Steelers on Saturday.

Polamalu (knee) practiced fully on Thursday, ESPN.com reports. Polamalu, who has not played the Steelers' past two games, thus appears on track to be available for Saturday's playoff game against the Ravens.

Polamalu did not play Sunday night in the Steelers' 27-17 win over Cincinnati. Polamalu missed the final two games of the regular season and four overall to finish with 61 tackles (40 solo) and a fumble recovery. He has now missed 13 games over the past three seasons and 29 games over the past six years. Although under contract through 2017, time may be catching up to Polamalu, who will turn 34 before the 2015 season.

Polamalu (knee) is inactive for Sunday night's game against the Bengals, the Associated Press reports. As a result, Will Allen is slated to start in place of Polamalu on Sunday.

Polamalu (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday night's game against the Bengals, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. As is cornerback Ike Taylor, with both players risky plays in IDP formats thanks to the Steelers' late kickoff this week.

Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is optimistic that Polamalu (knee) will be able to play Sunday night against the Bengals, ESPN.com reports. The same applies to cornerback Ike Taylor, after both players practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday. Polamalu has missed the Steelers' last two games because of a knee injury, and while the team's late kickoff Sunday makes him a risky IDP roll in Week 17, his potential return -- along with that of Taylor -- would be a nice boost to the Steelers as they square off against the Bengals for the AFC North title in the team's regular season finale.

Polamalu (knee) is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the Chiefs. With Polamalu out, Will Allen is expected to start at safety.