PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton will have surgery on his left anterior cruciate ligament.

Hampton suffered the injury in Pittsburgh’s playoff loss at Denver. Originally it appeared Hampton would not need surgery, but the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Thursday afternoon that an operation is needed on his ACL.

This news comes just one day after fellow veteran nose tackle Chris Hoke announced his retirement after 11 years with the Steelers organization.

The surgery is Hampton’s second on his left knee and it could hamper his chances of returning to Pittsburgh next season. The front office has major decisions to make to get under the salary cap for 2012, and Hampton’s $4.89 million area big hit in that department.

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