Chukky Okobi, who has been groomed for five years to be the heir apparent to Jeff Hartings at center, could have a herniated disk in his neck that could end his playing career.

Coach Bill Cowher termed the injury "very significant" and said Okobi could have surgery this morning. Okobi, 27, has been held out of some contact drills since last week and started feeling a tingling sensation down his arm Monday night.

"So, we had him checked out," Cowher said.

Asked if the injury is career-threatening as well as season-ending, Cowher said, "It could be both."

Cowher said he did not know if Okobi was injured on a particular play or if the injury was cumulative damage. Okobi practiced in both sessions Monday, but did not take part in the afternoon practice yesterday at Saint Vincent College.

"It's hard to say if it was any one hit," Cowher said.

Okobi was unavailable for comment.

Okobi's injury could clear the way for rookie Marvin Philip, a sixth-round draft choice, to make the team.