Will Allen, rather than Thomas, will start against the Patriots on Thursday, according to the Washington Observer-Reporter.

Thomas was expected to replace Troy Polamalu as the starter at strong safety, but the former fourth-round draft pick had a rough preseason, allowing 33-year-old Will Allen to claim the job. Although he's never been much of an IDP producer, Allen could carve out some value in his new role, as he's spent most of his career playing cornerback or free safety.

Thomas is in line to replace Troy Polamalu as a starting safety, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

A fourth-round draft pick in 2013, Thomas played nearly 200 defensive snaps as a rookie but was limited to special teams during an injury-riddled sophomore campaign. While he's known as a hard-hitter and did force a couple of fumbles on special teams, Thomas will likely have to compete for the starting job in training camp. It's also worth noting that the Steelers still technically have Polamalu on the roster, even though the future Hall of Famer isn't believed to be a part of the team's plans for 2015.

Thomas had one tackle (solo) in Pittsburgh's 27-17 win over Cincinnati on Sunday night.

This was a disappointing sophomore season for Thomas, who played in 11 games, and almost exclusively on special teams. He finished the season with five tackles.

Shamarko Thomas (hamstring) is active for Sunday's game against the Saints.

With Troy Polamalu also active, Thomas' fantasy IDP upside is very limited.

Taylor (forearm) practiced fully Thursday, theadvocate.com reports.

Taylor resumed working with the Steelers' first-team defense on Monday, which sets the stage for the safety to return to action Sunday against the Saints.

Thomas (hamstring) is out for Monday's game against the Titans, Ray Fittipaldo of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Thomas hasn't played much this season, and he oddly has two forced fumbles but just one tackle. Even if he makes it back before Troy Polamalu (knee), Thomas is unlikely to earn a significant role on defense this season.

Thomas (hamstring) will miss Sunday's game against the Jets.

Thomas remains buried on the depth chart whether or not he plays, but didn't participate in practice at all this week, foreshadowing his out designation for Sunday's contest.

Thomas (hamstring) is listed as active for Sunday night's game against the Ravens.

Thomas' return bolsters the Steelers' depth at safety, but he's off the fantasy radar as long as Troy Polamalu is healthy.

Thomas is listed as probable for Sunday night's game against the Ravens.

Thomas has been a full participant in practice this week and should be set to return, serving as a backup for Troy Polamalu.

Thomas fully participated in practice Wednesday, Scott Brown of ESPN reports.

Brown reports Thomas is expected to return for Sunday's game against the Ravens. Thomas would likely be a depth asset if Troy Polamalu is healthy enough.

Thomas (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Colts, Scott Brown of ESPN reports.

With Thomas and Ike Taylor out, the Steelers will be fairly short-handed in the secondary when they take on Andrew Luck. This is a result of a hamstring that will probably continue to nag Thomas for a while, as he had been limited in practice all week.

Thomas (Hamstring) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, according to Steelers.com.

Originally drafted as insurance for the aging and often injured Troy Polamalu, Thomas has had his share of injuries this and last season. He was forced from action in Week 5 and has played just one defensive snap for the Steelers this year.

Thomas (Hamstring) is inactive for the Steelers' game against the Bengals, according to ESPN.com reporter Pat McManamon.

Thomas was forced from the Steelers' game in Week 5 and should be considered week-to-week.

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.