The Pittsburgh Steelers will play the AFC Wildcard game against Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos and they'll have to do it without safety Ryan Clark. Head coach Mike Tomlin spoke to the media on Tuesday and said that he has informed Clark he will not allow him to play in this game.
Steelers Vs. Broncos: Ryan Clark Out For AFC Wild Card Game
“Clark has a sickle cell trait that could lead to one of the sickle-cell diseases and he is susceptible to damage to his organs if he exerts himself in high altitude.”
Clark played in Denver in 2007 and because of his condition ultimately had to have his spleen and gall bladder removed. He also didn’t play in a 2010 preseason game in Denver but did run around in pregame to test his response to the altitude.
This is a tough, tough call for the Steelers. Obviously you can’t do anything that would significantly affect Clark’s health, and playing in Denver would, unfortunately.
Check out Behind The Steel Curtain for the latest on the Steelers and Mile High Reportfor 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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