Thursday news and notes

Despite not playing in the past two games, safety Troy Polamalu was voted by his teammates as the Steelers MVP this season.

The award is well-deserved for Polamalu, who leads the Steelers with six interceptions and has seemingly made every big defensive play the team has had this season.

n Polamalu did not practice Thursday as he continues to rest his sore Achilles' tendon, but that was expected.

Friday is the big day for Polamalu.

n Also sitting out Thursday were running back Mewelde Moore (knee), offensive tackle Chris Scott (personal) and defensive end Aaron Smith (triceps).

Linebacker Jason Worilds (knee) was a partial participant after sitting out Wednesday, while linebacker LaMarr Woodley was a full particpant after being limited Wednesday.

© California University of Pennsylvania quarterback Josh Portis has been invited to the NFL combine.

Portis, the cousin of Washington Redskins' running back Clinton Portis, is the first player in Cal U history to be invited to the combine.

Before playing his final two seasons at Cal, Portis was at Florida, where he saw time as a backup to Tim Tebow, and Maryland.

n The NFL has reduced the fine levied on Harrison for his Oct. 17 hit on Browns wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi from $75,000 to $50,000.

The league’s appeals officer, Ted Cottrell, reduced the fine because he said Harrison understands the player safety rules and has made an effort to adjust his technique to play within those rules. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell supported the reduction.
Harrison’s four fines this season for dangerous hits now total $100,000.

Harrison’s agent, Bill Parise, also plans to appeal a $25,000 fine Harrison was assessed for a hit on Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick on Nov. 28.