By Teresa Varley
Steelers.com

 

Team Pass members can watch Hines talk about the upcoming game at Lambeau Field.

 

            Lambeau Field is a place filled with the history and tradition of the Green Bay Packers, but on Sunday it could be Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward that makes history there.

            Ward needs just four receptions to become the Steelers all-time leader, breaking John Stallworth’s record of 537 career receptions.

            “It’s something I will cherish deep down inside more than anything,” said Ward. “It would be a huge accomplishment for me.”

            Ward was hoping to break that record at Heinz Field against the Ravens on Monday night, but he missed the Jacksonville game on Oct. 16 and it set him back on the pace that would have had him breaking the record at home.

            “I really want to do it here,” said Ward. “If I play in that Jacksonville game, maybe it happens. We don’t play this game for records. When you get close to a record you want to get it over with so you don’t constantly think about it.

            “It’s in the back of my mind being that I am close to the record. But looking at the big picture, I just want to win a Super Bowl. Everything is laid out for us. Now it’s just a matter of us executing and taking care of the little things that are going to get us there.”

            While Ward is approaching the record-setting reception, he is having trouble remembering his first reception of his career.

            "Can you find out about my first one?" asked Ward on Wednesday.

            That reception game in the first game of his rookie season, Sept. 6, 1998, against the Baltimore Ravens. It was a 12-yard pass from Kordell Stewart.

            “He’s going to be labeled as one of the greatest, if not the greatest Steelers receivers of all time,” said quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. “He’s going to hold all of the records. It’s awesome to be a part of such a great receiver’s career here in Pittsburgh.”

            How many career receptions will Ward end up with when his career is over? Is 1,000 a possibility for the durable wide receiver?

            "A thousand? It just depends," said Ward. "How long do I want to play? How long can I play? I haven't really looked into it. Do I want to get 1,000? I'd love to. But I'd rather win a Super Bowl. That's like the icing on the cake.”

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Notes: The Steelers injury report is long again this week, with only Mike Logan currently listed as out with a hamstring injury for Sunday’s game. The remainder of the injury report is as follows: Questionable: running back Jerome Bettis (quad), quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (knee). Probable:  cornerback Ricardo Colclough (shoulder), linebacker James Farrior (knee), linebacker Larry Foote (shoulder), punter Chris Gardocki (shoulder), linebacker Clark Haggans (groin), linebacker James Harrison (knee), center Jeff Hartings (knee), defensive end Travis Kirschke (back), running back Willie Parker (toe), linebacker Joey Porter (knee), wide receiver Antwaan Randle El (foot), wide receiver Hines Ward (shoulder).