Injury rules out Pittsburgh Steelers' nose tackle Chris Hoke for rest of season – NFL News
Neck injury has ruled out Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Chris Hoke for rest of current season of American professional football league, National Football League.
The Steelers announced to have put Hoke on injured reserve list confirming earlier speculations that the player’s injury was definitely season-ending and could also be a career threatening one.
The player was injured in the Steelers' game against Jacksonville Jaguars on October 16. He has not played a single game or practice since.
Initial tests had led to serious doubts about his return to the side. The latest reports confirmed him out of rest of current season for sure. There is also a fear that his career might be finished.
Hoke has been told that he will have neck surgery. His timeline for recovery and his chances for return to NFL would be determined then.
Despite that the news about impossibility of Hoke’s return was inevitable his teammates have expressed surprise saying they will find it out very tough without his presence on the field.
"Hokie, he's a great guy, someone who did everything he could to help me," defensive lineman Steve McClendon said. "That's why it's such a tough loss for me. I probably feel worse about it than he does. He keeps telling me to keep
my head up."
Hoke is well known and popular among Steelers for his attitude and work ethics. He is particularly very supportive to younger players.
Meanwhile, Hoke has been joined by Steelers' running back Jonathan Dwyer on the IR list. Dwyer had suffered left foot injury. The latest reports confirmed him out for rest of current season.
Reports also confirmed that the Steelers have added safety Damon Cromartie Smith and linebacker Mortty Ivy to their active roster. The will replace Dwyer and Hoke respectively.
The Steelers are playing the Cleveland Browns tonight (Thursday night). They are seen all set to stage a victory over the Browns to consolidate their American Football Conference (AFC) north division lead to 10-3, just one point
ahead of their archrivals Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens (9-3) also have a game to play this Sunday, into NFL week 14, and in case of a win they will catch up with the Steelers at 10-3.
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