Steelers president Art Rooney II was noncommittal Tuesday when asked about the future of Hines Ward.

Rooney called Ward an "all-time" Steelers great and "hopefully" a Hall of Famer, and will continue to talk to him about his future with the organization. Rooney noted that his team is $25 million over the salary cap. "There will be some tough decisions," acknowledged Rooney.

Hines Ward is willing to accept a pay cut to stay with the Steelers in 2012.

"I recognize that," said Ward of the restructuring. "I'm telling you I want to be here, I'm telling you I'm willing to do that. ... I want to try to win another Super Bowl. I want to do it for this organization." Although Ward needs minor ankle surgery to remove bone spurs, he intends to play in 2012 even if the Steelers don't want him back. Beat writer Ed Bouchette opined Tuesday that ownership would have to step in for Ward to return to the Steelers.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Hines Ward plans to play in 2012 "whether it's with the Steelers or somewhere else."

The paper also reports Ward is due a bonus in March, which will force the Steelers to decide if they want to keep a player who has made 1,000 catches since arriving in Pittsburgh as a third-round pick in 1998. The Post-Gazette believes the Steelers "do not want him back." Ward wouldn't draw interest as anything other than a No. 4/5 receiver on the open market.

Multiple sources tell WPXI in Pittsburgh that Hines Ward has no plans to retire this offseason.

CBS' Mike Freeman has essentially reported otherwise, saying Steelers players believe Ward is ready to hang 'em up. It's possible Ward is having second thoughts, but we're fairly certain he wouldn't return to Pittsburgh without a significant pay cut. Fifth receivers aren't worth $4 million base salaries.

Some Steelers players believe Hines Ward will soon announce his retirement, according to CBS' Mike Freeman.

Hines Ward was held without a catch in the Steelers' Wild Card round loss to the Broncos.

He was targeted twice, playing sparingly behind Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders, and Jerricho Cotchery. The slowing, 36-year-old Ward was a fifth receiver by season's end. Owed a $4 million base salary in 2012, we suspect Ward has played his final snap with the Steelers.

Hines Ward started the Steelers' Week 16 win over the Rams, catching four passes for 32 yards.

At first it appeared the Steelers were giving Ward little more than a ceremonial start in what might have been his final game at Heinz Field, but he went on to play a healthy amount of snaps as he hauled in at least four catches for the third time in five games. Now just five catches shy of 1,000 for his career, you can bet the Steelers will target Ward early and often in an essentially meaningless Week 17 game against the Browns.

Hines Ward made it clear Thursday that he has no plans to retire after the season.

"I have two years left on my contract," Ward said, counting this one. "I'm not even thinking that this is my last [game]. If the organization decides to, I have no control over that ... I feel fine. I feel like I can play another year or two if I want to." Ward has been phased out since late October, but there may still be a spot for him as a team leader and No. 4 receiver in 2012. He needs nine receptions to become only the eighth receiver in NFL history with 1,000.

Hines Ward has acted as the Steelers' strict No. 4 receiver over the last two weeks.

Ward caught nine passes in Weeks 12 and 13 combined, but that was fluky. He's now back behind Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Jerricho Cotchery. The only reason Ward might get some extra snaps in the next two weeks is because he's nine catches away from 1,000 for his career.

Hines Ward caught just one pass for six yards against the Browns in Week 14.

Ward was already playing behind Jerricho Cotchery (33 yards, TD) in most three-wide sets before a lost fumble early in the second quarter. He was invisible the rest of the way. Ward is off the fantasy radar heading into Week 15.

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.