Trade talks with the Tigers end

Next

* Game: Steelers (11-3) vs. Tennessee Titans (12-2).

* When: 1 p.m. Sunday.

* Where: LP Field, Nashville, Tenn.

* TV: KDKA.

One second Sunday night, Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward was standing outside the team bus at Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium, saying how coach Mike Tomlin had "done wonders" for this later stage of his fabulous career by excusing him from Wednesday practices and saving his legs. The next second, Tomlin, appearing almost out of nowhere, was right there, listening to every word. * Hey, at least Ward was saying nice things about the boss. * "I was just talking about you, coach," Ward said, somewhat sheepishly. * "I'm going to keep propping you up so you can do this until you're 40!" Tomlin roared. * An hour earlier, Ward had been a big star in the Steelers' remarkable 13-9, back-from-the-dead victory against the Ravens with eight catches for 107 yards. * "I appreciate it, coach," Ward said. SEE COOK, PAGE D-2