The Steelers are prepared to use the franchise tag on NT Casey Hampton if the two sides can’t agree to a long-term contract before Thursday’s deadline, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Tuesday.

It looks as though the Steelers narrowly avoided a major injury during their final practice of training camp when QB Ben Roethlisberger injured his right foot or ankle.

The Steelers return 20 of 22 starters, which makes them strong contenders to repeat as Super Bowl champions. They still have Dick LeBeau running the defense, and his players call him “The Wizard,” which reflects the schemes and creativity he brings. The offense still has Ben Roethlisberger under center and returns RB Rashard Mendenhall after a season-ending shoulder injury last year.

The Steelers locked up their long-term solution at left tackle on Tuesday, announcing the signing of Max Starks to a four-year contract. The team also announced the retirement of veteran CB Fernando Bryant.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Steelers have placed their franchise tag on OT Max Starks. The paper also said the Steelers are seeking a long-term deal with Starks.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that Steelers WR Hines Ward had surgery on his shoulder and not his troublesome knee. Ward sprained the medial collateral ligament in his right knee during the AFC Championship Game last month, but will not require surgery for that injury.