Steelers LT Max Starks left Sunday's Wild Card round game with a second-quarter knee injury. He's been replaced by Jonathan Scott. Starks initially left toward the end of the second quarter. He returned to play a few snaps, and was downgraded to "doubtful" to return at halftime, probably because the knee swelled up. We wouldn't bet on seeing Starks again tonight.

Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians confirmed that Max Starks will remains the Steelers' starting left tackle going forward. Starks came off the street and helped settle the Steelers' reeling offensive line in yesterday's win over the Titans. It was his first game action in 11 months. And with Marcus Gilbert (shoulder) leaving early, Starks was forced to play all but two snaps yesterday. "I think the first thing is that you have to give credit to him for coming back in the ridiculously good shape he's in," coach Mike Tomlin said.

Steelers LT Max Starks confirmed Friday that he fully expects to start Sunday's game against the Titans. He'll start after just three practices, but it's still hard to imagine that Starks could be a downgrade from predecessor Jonathan Scott. The Steelers are hopeful Starks can be like Bryant McKinnie, immediately excelling despite limited time in the offense. Starks does have working in his favor the fact that he already knows the system. The Titans have racked up eight sacks in their last three games, so he's going to have his hands full immediately.

Despite coach Mike Tomlin's early-week comments to the contrary, OC Bruce Arians suggests Max Starks could very well start at left tackle as soon as this week. It's clear by now that Tomlin isn't Starks' biggest booster, but the two-time Super Bowl winner is an upgrade on Jonathan Scott. Starks took the majority of the first-team snaps on Thursday. The Bryant McKinnie success story in Baltimore bodes well for Starks' chances of an immediate impact.

Steelers signed OT Max Starks. According to beat writer Jim Wexell, Starks wasn't signed earlier because the front office likes him and the coaches don't. But at this point, Mike Tomlin and company don't really have a choice. Starks will back up Jonathan Scott and Marcus Gilbert at first but could very well end up starting if they continue to struggle and he gets into game shape.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette confirms free agent OT Max Starks will be signed, likely on Wednesday. Per beat writer Gerry Dulac, the Steelers are bringing in Starks for depth, not to be an immediate starter. He's down 60 pounds from where he was earlier in the offseason, so it may not be long before he's pushing Jonathan Scott or Marcus Gilbert for snaps.

The Steelers worked out free agent OT Max Starks on Tuesday.

The Vikings are hosting free agent OT Max Starks on Monday. The Vikes are rightfully worried about their offensive line. Starks' best position is right tackle, but he could also be an option on the left side to replace Charlie Johnson. Johnson could then kick inside to guard. Starks, 29, was released by the Steelers early in camp after reporting out of shape. He spent the lockout on the couch, rehabbing from neck surgery.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette confirms that free agent Max Starks is "overweight and out of shape." The Steelers aren't even considering re-signing Starks because he's in such poor condition. Still just 29 years old, Starks may be packing it in after seven seasons, all with Pittsburgh. He's coming off year-ending neck surgery.

The Cardinals have not yet reciprocated interest in free agent OT Max Starks. Considering its ties to Pittsburgh, the Arizona coaching staff will likely keep an open mind. Starks may have to drop some weight and lower his contract expectations to land a job, though.