CINCINNATI (AP) -Hines Ward says he'd lay another tough hit on Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Keith Rivers, even if it means drawing a penalty.

The Pittsburgh Steelers leveled Rivers with a straight-up block from the side during a game last season, breaking the linebacker's jaw and ending his season. Such blocks have since been banned under the league's rules changes.

Hines and Rivers will face each other Sunday in Cincinnati for the first time since the hit. Rivers said on Wednesday that he hopes the rules change makes it safer for players. In Pittsburgh, Ward told reporters that if the same situation happens again, he'd hit Rivers again, even if it means getting a penalty.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.