On Thursday evening, Steelers free safety Ryan Clark tweeted, “Cant wait to get out there on Sat gonna be a nice challenge. Then its back to Denver let the drama begin”. The drama Clark is alluding to is the media barrage of questions he faces every time a trip to the Mile High City is about to take place. I am guilty of perhaps invoking the Tweet Thursday by Clark, but it is a question that needs to be asked.
Clark traveled to Denver with the team last year in week 9, but head coach Mike Tomlin chose to hold him out and said after the 28-10 win that he didn\’t want to risk Clark\’s health or burden his teammates and family members with worry. Clark nearly died following a game in Denver nearly three years ago because of a rare blood disorder that is aggravated by playing in high altitudes. He was hospitalized in Denver when complications from a sickle-cell trait prevented oxygen from flowing into his spleen properly and ended up needing additional operations to remove his gall bladder and spleen.
Although Clark hasn\’t said, one can only assume that he will want to play this time around, but once again will likely have the decision made for him by Tomlin. It is a meaningless preseason game and Tomlin once again will likely act with caution. The Steelers can not afford to risk Clark to any complications as they likely will only carry 4 safeties heading into the season. Time will tell what Tomlin will decide and you should hear plenty more about this all next week.
