PITTSBURGH -- In his weekly news conference, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher has ruled strong safety Troy Polamalu and wide reciever Hines Ward out of Sunday's upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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Both Ward and Polamalu suffered knee injuries in last week's 27-0 shutout loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Cowher confirmed that Ward had arthoscopic knee surgery, which is expected to keep him out for at least one week. After the upcoming game against the Buccaneers, the Steelers play again on Thursday, Dec. 7, which would give Ward less than two weeks to heal.

Cowher said Nate Washington would start in Ward's place.

Polamalu suffered a severe, second-degree ACL sprain, Cowher said. He is only expected to miss one week.

Questionable for next week's game is wide receiver Willie Reid with a foot injury and outside linebacker Clark Haggans with a hip injury.

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