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NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Pittsburgh Steelers have lost offensive tackle Max Starks for the season, placing him on injured reserve due to a neck injury he sustained in Monday's win over the Cincinnati Bengals, the club said Wednesday.

Starks, a seven-year veteran, will require surgery, the AFC North co-leaders said, adding the club expected him to make a full recovery in time for next season.

The Steelers replaced Starks on their roster by activating rookie offensive tackle Chris Scott, a fifth-round draft pick out of Tennessee.

Pittsburgh (6-2) will host the New England Patriots (6-2) on Sunday in a match-up of two of the AFC's top teams.

(Reporting by Larry Fine, Editing by Steve Ginsburg; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)