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.

Polamalu (knee) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, ESPN.com reports.

With Polamalu -- who did not practice all week -- expected to sit this week, Will Allen is expected to start at safety in his place on Sunday.

Polamalu (illness) is active for Sunday's game at Cincinnati.

Polamalu was back in action last week against the Saints and is once again available for IDP consideration in this game.

Polamalu (non-injury) is active for Sunday's game against the Saints.

Polamalu missed practice earlier this week, but he was a full participant Friday and is good to go Sunday against a Saints offense capable of putting up plenty of points.

Polamalu is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Saints, ESPN reports.

Polamalu' absence is listed as not injury related, and he was a full participant at practice Friday. The report likely indicates that he will play in a big matchup against the Saints.

Polamalu (knee) expects to return to action after the Steelers' bye week, ESPN.com reports.

Polamalu has missed the Steelers' last two games with a sprained knee, but he expects to play against the Saints on Nov. 30, noting Thursday that he believes if "the game was this weekend (he'd) be able to play."

Polamalu (knee) will not play in Monday's game against the Titans, Bob Labriola of the Steelers' website reports.

It's not entirely clear where Polamalu stands health-wise, but he will need at least another week to recover from his sprained knee, and will miss his second straight game.

Polamalu will not play in Sunday's game against the Jets due to a knee sprain, ESPN reports.

Polamalu was forced to exit Sunday's game after suffering the knee injury, which will now keep him sidelined for at least one game. With Polamalu out, Ross Ventrone (hamstring) could start at strong safety, but if he's not healthy enough, Will Allen may fill the position.

Polamalu left Sunday's game against the Ravens with a left leg injury and will not return, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette reports.

Polamalu piled up 49 tackles (32 solo) through the first eight games of the season, then added another two (one solo) before leaving Sunday's contest. He was replaced by Will Allen, who has barely seen the field this season.

Polamalu totaled six tackles (five solo) including a sack in Pittsburgh's 54-31 win over the Colts on Sunday.

The sack was Polamalu's first of the season. The Steelers face baltimore in Week 9, against whom they failed to record a sack in their first meeting in Week 2.

Polamalu recorded two tackles (both solo) and a fumble recovery in the Steelers' 30-23 win against Houston on Monday night.

The takeaway was the 39th of Polamalu's career, but just his first this season. Overall, the Pittsburgh defense was opportunistic, forcing three turnovers that led to 17 points.