Hines Ward caught four passes for 21 yards in Sunday's win over the Chiefs. The four-catch night was Ward's first in six games. None of his looks came in the red zone, however, which is bad news for a player who's going to have to score touchdowns to even be worth considering as an emergency fantasy option. One of the greatest players in Steelers' franchise history, Ward is likely gearing up for his final five games in an NFL uniform.

In an interview with NBC's Bob Costas, Steelers WR Mike Wallace said Hines Ward has accepted his benching because Pittsburgh's offensive is at its best when Ward isn't in. Wallace wasn't taking a shot at Ward, but it might come off as one stated in quotes. "(It's) different not having him out there, but it's for the better of the team," said Wallace. "I think he knows that. He accepts it. It's like having an extra coach on the sideline." Ward has lost his big-play ability at age 35. He may only be a 10-14 snap-per-game player down the stretch.

Beat writer Ed Bouchette confirms the Steelers could move on from Hines Ward after this season. Ward is under contract through 2012, but he's owed $4 million for next season. Coach Mike Tomlin has essentially confirmed that Ward is now the No. 4 receiver and could be pushed down to No. 5 once Emmanuel Sanders (knee) gets back. Despite Ward's illustrious career in Pittsburgh, they won't bring him back at that price.

Hines Ward has come to terms with his limited role in the Steelers offense. Ward confirmed that health was not an issue in Week 10 when he played just 10 snaps to 34 for Jerricho Cotchery. "It's not about me, it's about the team," Ward said. "We won the game that's the bottom line. ... It's a different role. I am still going to be the biggest cheerleader because I want to win."

Beat writer Gerry Dulac confirms that Hines Ward is "not a starter anymore." In Sunday's win over the Bengals, Ward served as the No. 4 receiver behind Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Jerricho Cotchery. The Steelers have properly realized that Ward is slowing their offense down and could even drop him to No. 5 on the depth chart once Emmanuel Sanders (knee) returns. There's no reason to hold Ward in fantasy formats.

Hines Ward (head) is practicing in full this week. Ward suffered concussion-like symptoms Sunday against Baltimore, but was not officially concussed. He has just five targets in his last three games.

Hines Ward (concussion-like symptoms) should be good to go this week, according to coach Mike Tomlin.

Hines Ward (ankle) played in Week 9 against the Ravens, but left the game with a concussion in the first quarter and did not return. Ray Lewis laid him out and he was clearly concussed, despite the team's best efforts to call the injury a "stinger." He will go through league protocols this week, and this could be the big break the Steelers passing game is looking for. Antonio Brown has already solidified himself as a must-own player, but Emmanuel Sanders is also worth a speculative add. Should OC Bruce Arians stay pass-wacky, the offense might be able to feed three wideouts.

Hines Ward (ankle) is listed as questionable for Week 9. Ward was "limited" in practice all week, but he'll man the slot Sunday against Baltimore. We don't consider him a top-50 Week 9 receiver option.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette confirms that Hines Ward (ankle) will play in Sunday night's matchup with Baltimore. Emmanuel Sanders (knee, personal) is officially out for the game. Ward is a threat for no more than 5-6 targets in a difficult matchup. He's about a WR5.