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Ward's role diminishing with Steelers

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward has seen just about everything in his 14 seasons. Last Sunday, Ward saw something much different: the bench.

Ward played a handful of snaps in a 24-17 victory over Cincinnati, finishing with one catch for 10 yards. Ward says he was completely healthy a week after dealing with concussion-like symptoms following a helmet-to-helmet shot from Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis.

The 35-year-old Ward has still shown flashes of brilliance this season, including a two-touchdown performance against Tennessee last month. Yet he found his spot in the starting lineup taken by Antonio Brown against the Bengals, and his spot as the slot receiver taken by Jerricho Cotchery.

Ward says the team owes him no explanation and it doesn't matter as long as the Steelers are winning.

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