Hines Ward benched during Steelers game

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on November 13, 2011

Hines Ward suffered benched-like symptoms during Pittsburgh’s win against the Bengals.

Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette notes that Ward was not on the field in three receiver sets. Instead, it was Jerricho Cotchery who caught four passes and scored a touchdown.

Ward caught his only pass for four yards.

Perhaps the Steelers were playing it safe with Ward heading into the bye. But anyone that has watched Ward this season has to admit his knees look shot and he simply hasn’t been effective. When Emmanuel Sanders returns, Ward might fall to fifth on the depth chart.

Ward is due $4 million next season. It wouldn’t be surprising if this winds up being his last season in Pittsburgh, and quite possibly in the NFL.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/11/13/hines-ward-benched-during-steelers-game/

Sorry but I believe that Ward is a mainstay on this roster. His leadership on and off the field is something the Steelers need. I believe he's a positive influence on other players. Besides who is going to teach the other WRs to block like a LB?

stlrtruck wrote:

Sorry but I believe that Ward is a mainstay on this roster. His leadership on and off the field is something the Steelers need. I believe he's a positive influence on other players. Besides who is going to teach the other WRs to block like a LB?

I'm with Truck here. Ward is invaluable to this offense as an extra coach and a sure pair of hands in the clutch. I agree he's lost a step and maybe needs to take a small step back, but he's the heart and soul of the offense. I think he may have rushed himself back too fast to play in the Ravens game. I don't think he was 100% and then he got clocked by Ray-Ray to further sideline him. I definitely want Ward come playoff time. He's always come up big in the clutch.

hate to say but 4 million is a lot for a coach. unless he takes a big salary hit he should be gone.........cant go forever

vasteeler wrote:

hate to say but 4 million is a lot for a coach. unless he takes a big salary hit he should be gone.........cant go forever

Who knows what he would do? It would be nice to actually see him finish out the contract, and retire on the Big Stage (ala Bettis). Then come back and be a WRs coach or something that would help the Steelers get better.

This will be tough pill to swallow I hope we are not seeing the end of Hines Ward, but I think Wallace is right.