In a positive sign regarding his outlook for Sunday's game against the undefeated Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers star safety Troy Polamalu returned to practice today.

Polamalu, who was held out of two practices this week to rest the sprained medial collateral ligament that sidelined him for four games, is expected to start on Sunday.

Although Friday is typically a light workout for most NFL teams and not a true test of a player's health, this seems like it was a planned convalescence  that should keep Polamalu's knee in working order.

Polamalu started last week's game against the Cleveland Browns.

The Steelers will need a healthy Polamalu against Brett Favre on Sunday.

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