Hines Ward Injury: Update on Steelers Star's Stinger Injury

Hines Ward may not know his name right now.

He was clocked by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis on a throw in the first half and was extremely slow to get up.

The latest report is that Ward has a stinger and his return is questionable. No word on if stinger is the new secret term for concussion.

Lewis led with his helmet and drilled Ward in the head. A classic helmet-to-helmet hit. A fine for Lewis is likely on the way.

Fantasy Impact

Hopefully you weren't relying too heavily on Ward. His play has really began to deteriorate over the course of this season as he only has 258 yards and two TDs. He isn't worth more than a desperate flex play when healthy.

If Ward is diagnosed with a concussion, it's time to drop him. He already missed last week's game against the Patriots with an ankle injury, and dealing with a concussion is going to make him a candidate to be dropped.

With the emergence of Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown in the Steelers offense, Ward is a complete after-thought for Pittsburgh...and for your fantasy team as well.


Who's the Backup?

Ward had already fallen to third on the receiver depth chart, and now Jericho Cotchery is getting more targets. The only throw in Ward's direction was the play that resulted in his stinger.

Timeline for Return

It all depends on if doctors officially classify the injury as a stinger or a concussion.

A stinger means he would be questionable all week with the Steelers forced to make a game-time decision against the Bengals.

If it's a concussion...he's out for at least the next week and potentially more. Remember, this isn't his first concussion.