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Neck surgery may end career of Chris Hoke

Chris Hoke

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Chris Hoke answers questions during an NFL football news conference at the team’s headquarters, Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011 in Pittsburgh. The Steelers lost 31-25 to the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011.(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

AP

The Steelers haven’t had the services of defensive tackle Chris Hoke for more than a month.

They won’t have him for the rest of the season following neck surgery, and Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Hoke’s career could be over.

The undrafted 35-year-old has played in Pittsburgh since 2001, usually as a reserve. He started two games this year in place of Casey Hampton.

With Aaron Smith’s future also up in the air, Pittsburgh’s defensive line will look a lot different next season.