DT Chris Hoke has been placed on Injured Reserve and will undergo the same type of neck surgery that ended Aaron Smith’s 2011 season.  Hoke is the back-up to Casey Hampton and is adored by many Steeler fans.  He has always played at an incredibly high level when “subbing” in for, or replacing Hampton in defensive situations.  When starting at Nose Tackle the Steelers are 17-1 in the regular season, a record that speaks for itself.  Sadly this upcoming surgery may end Chris Hoke’s career, but he remains optimistic claiming, It ain’t over ’till the fat lady sings”.

Below is a link to an excellent piece by Jim Wexell.

http://pit.scout.com/2/1136603.html