Chris

Hoke

When Hoke went down in Week 6, it was thought that he just had a stinger. The situation has proven to be much more serious than that. At age 35, Hoke’s career is now in jeopardy.

Hoke’s contract was up and he’s coming off a neck injury, so the 36-year-old’s career was expected to be through. A former undrafted free agent out of BYU, Hoke carved out an eight-year career, registering 52 tackles and two sacks in 114 appearances with 18 starts. Hoke was Casey Hampton’s longtime backup.

Hoke last played in Week 6, and was revealed to require surgery on Tuesday. A reserve for the large majority of his 11-year career, Hoke has 83 tackles and two sacks in 114 lifetime games. Five months shy of his 36th birthday, it’s quite possible he’s played his final down.

The injury is not believed to be serious, but it’s a concern for the Steelers as starter Casey Hampton (shoulder) is already sidelined. Third-stringer Steve McClendon was forced into action yesterday.

Veteran backup Chris Hoke will make a second consecutive start. LE Aaron Smith (foot) and OLB James Harrison (eye) will also sit out again, leaving Maurice Jones-Drew to face a banged up defense allowing the 12th-most fantasy points to opposing backs.

Hoke proved to be a valuable backup for Casey Hampton when Hampton was injured last season.

With Pro Bowl starter Casey Hampton heading into free agency, there is a chance Hoke will start for Pittsburgh in 2006.

He’ll make $2.1 million this season. The seven-year tackle is probably good enough to start for most teams, but is happy playing behind Casey Hampton in Pittsburgh. He could play more if the Steelers ever go to a 4-3 defense.

The three-year veteran was inactive for all 16 Steelers games last season.

McFarland, who spent last season on injured reserve with a knee injury, was released by the Colts last month after failing a physical. He played under Steelers coach Mike Tomlin in Tampa Bay, but likely wouldn’t be ready for the start of the season. The Steelers are deep at tackle, so McFarland is probably viewed as an inexpensive insurance policy.