No one within the Steelers organization would ever say “yes” to this question in front of a camera or tape recorder, but “Did the Steelers get lucky by losing to Denver?”

That’s a germane question. At his post-season press conference yesterday Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin revealed that Max Starks and Casey Hampton suffered ACL tears during the Broncos game while Brett Keisel suffered a very serious groin injury that may require surgery.

Losing both Hampton and Kesiel during the 4th quarter left the Steelers with three healthy defensive lineman in uniform. Al Woods was the only other defensive lineman on their active roster.

The “Standard May Be the Standard” but such a principle requires having available bodies to put it into practice.

Hines Ward Denies Retirement Rumors

Communicating through his Facebook page, Hines Ward flatly denied any rumors that he is preparing to retire. As reported by Behind the Steel Curtain Ward’s statement read like this:

I’m also getting lots of questions about retirement so let me set the record straight: I have no plans on retiring right now. I want to win another Superbowl. I don’t know where the media is getting this info from but rest assured that when I decide to retire, you’ll hear it from ME first. – HINES

For sentimental reasons Steel Curtain Rising certainly hopes that Ward finishes his career as a Steeler and not as an Arizona Cardinal.

There are mixed reports as to whether the decision will entirely be up to him. If Ward does want to return for another year in Pittsburgh, he will most certainly need to renegotiate down to the veteran minimum.

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