DenBronx
09-04-2012, 12:11 PM
When the Steelers open their season against the Broncos on Sunday night, a source says Pittsburgh safety Ryan Clark will not play because of the health risks imposed by Denver's high altitude.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin made the same decision last January when he chose to sit Clark in Denver for what would turned out to be a season-ending playoff loss for Pittsburgh.
Clark, who carries the sickle cell trait -- a genetic abnormality which can affect red blood cells -- was playing in Denver in October 2007 when he developed significant pain in his left side. He became gravely ill and ultimately lost his spleen and gall bladder, along with the remainder of that football season, as a result.
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http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8335923/pittsburgh-steelers-ryan-clark-play-denver-source-says
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin made the same decision last January when he chose to sit Clark in Denver for what would turned out to be a season-ending playoff loss for Pittsburgh.
Clark, who carries the sickle cell trait -- a genetic abnormality which can affect red blood cells -- was playing in Denver in October 2007 when he developed significant pain in his left side. He became gravely ill and ultimately lost his spleen and gall bladder, along with the remainder of that football season, as a result.
READ FULL ARTICLE:
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8335923/pittsburgh-steelers-ryan-clark-play-denver-source-says