The Pittsburgh Steelers are will likely be missing one of their best playmakers on each side of the ball this weekend when they head west to take on Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos. Running back Rashard Mendenhall is likely out with an ACL injury and Ryan Clark, the team's starting safety, is looking as if he might miss the game as well.
Steelers Vs. Broncos: Ryan Clark’s Status Uncertain For Wild Card Weekend
Clark has sickle cell trait and the high altitude in Denver causes it to flare up, according to a report from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. It happened the last time he played in Denver and head coach Mike Tomlin doesn’t want it to happen again this weekend.
“We’re going to meet with the doctors at some point (today) or Tuesday,” Tomlin said. “Last time we went (to Denver), we worked him out extensively to see how he responded, and they gathered the data in that regard. So we’ll put some heads together, and when I’m talking about heads I’m talking about medical experts, not myself.”
Clark said he expects Tomlin to take the decision out of his hands.
“That’s fine,” Clark said. “It’s easier on me that way anyway. No decision has been made, so we’ve got things to talk about.”
Without Clark, Ryan Mundy would likely get the start as he's listed as the back-up free safety on the team's depth chart.
Check out Behind The Steel Curtain for the latest on the Steelers and Mile High Report for the latest on the Broncos, and head on over to the SBNation NFL news hub for everything you need to know about the 2012 playoffs.
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