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It's Official: Steelers Re-Sign OT Max Starks

Veteran OT Max Starks announced via Twitter Wednesday morning he has re-signed with the Steelers, the team that drafted him in the third round in 2004. 

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Steelers Digest reported the Steelers waived OT Chris Scott to make room for Starks.

Starks was released prior to the start of the 2011 season when he reportedly arrived at camp in less-than-peak physical condition after a neck injury kept him out of activity for several months. 

He was said to have lost nearly 60 pounds, and is back to his playing weight of 340 pounds. 

Starks' arrival is the Steelers response to an offensive line that has struggled through the first four games this season. Marred by injuries, it has had different starters in each of the last three games. 

Scott, a second-year player, is still practice-squad eligible, and it's a good bet the Steelers will re-sign him there if he clears waivers. 

Starks isn't likely to start, at least not right away. The return of Jonathan Scott to the left tackle position and Doug Legursky to the right guard spot brings the Steelers closer to where they were at the beginning of the year. 

A key trait to Starks is his versatility. He's the only player in NFL history to start at both right and left tackle on two different Super Bowl championship teams. He was the Steelers' starting right tackle on the Super Bowl XL champions and the starting left tackle on the Super Bowl XLIII champions. 

His versatility may be called upon this year as well. Neither Scott nor rookie Marcus Gilbert, the starting right tackle, have been outstanding this season. It seems more likely the Steelers would view Starks as a back-up to both positions in the early going, but it wouldn't be surprising to see them insert Starks to either spot in the future.