NFL Team Report: Steelers Decide On Ryan Clark's Status

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It appears that free safety Ryan Clark(notes) will not play against the Broncos, even though he was practicing again yesterday.

Clark has a sickle-cell trait that can jeopardize his health when exerting himself in high altitude. In 2007, he had his spleen removed, lost 30 pounds and nearly died following a game in Denver.

He will be replaced in the starting unit by Tyrone Carter(notes), the backup strong safety. However, the Steelers will also use backup free safety Ryan Mundy(notes) in some passing situations. Carter plays well near the line of scrimmage because he is physical and a sure tackler. But he struggles in space and deep coverage.

Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau has been trying to work Mundy into some game situations to get him experience and have him ready for situations such as this.

The good news: Pro Bowl SS Troy Polamalu(notes) had an extra week to allow his sprained knee to get stronger. Polamalu returned two weeks ago against Cleveland, but he was more active in the defense in the most recent game against the Vikings, a sign he is feeling more comfortable with the condition of his knee.

Gerry Dulac


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9 Comments

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  1. Shawn S
    9. Posted by Shawn S Thu Nov 5 9:29pm EST

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    Big talk coming from a guy who's team just got blown out by 23 points to the Ravens, an AFC North Pittsburgh wannabe with a worse record.

    Ben's gonna throw all over you guys and then give it to Mendenhall to punish your D in the 4th, just like Bettis did in the AFC Championship!
  2. <i>cjruiz_us</i>
    8. Posted by cjruiz_us Thu Nov 5 8:39pm EST

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    Chris,

    First of all the Steelers aren't going to handle anything but there own meat. Your running game is limited, and Big Ben is going to give us a few picks. It will be a close game, but your leaving 5-3. JMAC will pull out one of those old Pats game plans to deal with that Blitzing, and Orton will do just enough to get by and earn the W. Elvis is going to smack Lil Ben around a bit and he will start to throw some boogers to the wrong color jersey. Not enough balance to beat Denver at home.

    However, I'm a football fan first, and agree that Clark shouldn't play no matter what. They have gotten this far with Troy being out most of the season, so not a big difference there.Shouldn't have to give up organs to play ball!

    Just so you know I have no problem with Pitts, and think they are great just have to be loyal to my team, but root for AFC in the bowl no matter what as long as the Raiders or Chargers aren't in it. We don't have to worry bout the Raiders til the old man kicks the bucket though. He is the Broncos best asset
  3. Shawn S
    7. Posted by Shawn S Thu Nov 5 6:41pm EST

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    Check out Clark's most recent HUGE hit:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8BEdeAwnxk
  4. Shawn S
    6. Posted by Shawn S Thu Nov 5 6:38pm EST

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    I'm flying into Denver to see this game, and while I'll miss watching Clark crush some bones in person this is definitely the best choice.

    Here We Go Steelers!!!!!!
  5. Christopher M
    5. Posted by Christopher M Thu Nov 5 4:45pm EST

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    **First and foremost we are the best organization in Football, maybe even the best sports franchise in general, and we're not about to risk a players health and/or life to win a football game.**

    I agree completely!!! The health and well-being of ALL of the Steelers players is the FIRST thing on the mind of every6one in a coaching and front office position in this organization!

    I am proud to say that I am a Steelers fan and have been watching them since I was 5 years old! (I am 32 now, whats that tell ya?)

    The reason that our team stays at the top of the NFL Elite is because of this reason among many, many others.

    As far as the upcoming game on Monday, the Ravens did a fairly good job of laying down a blue-print on how to stop Denver's offense. I know that with a little tweaking of plays and with the Legendary pass-rush that the Steelers employ, Mr. LeBeau will have the Bronco's offense completely confused and dumbfounded for the whole game. Black and yellow runs through my veins, and I will NOT miss this game!!! It's going to be a good one!

    Let's expand that trophy case a little more for #7 !!!

    !!! GO STEELERS !!!
  6. <i>rjamoi79</i>
    4. Posted by rjamoi79 Thu Nov 5 7:45am EST

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    The Steelers are going to do the right thing and deactivate Clark this week for a couple of reasons:

    First and foremost we are the best organization in Football, maybe even the best sports franchise in general, and we're not about to risk a players health and/or life to win a football game.

    Second our defense is built to stomp the Broncos offense into the ground. Kyle Orton can't or doesn't throw the ball down the field. I don't know if its his lack of arm strength or if he's just not accurate enough. The strength of their offense is the run game which is useless against us. Those short underneath routes they throw play right into our hands where we are the strongest, our sure tackling linebacking core. So in a nutshell we'll be mile high saluting our way to another victory in Denver Monday.

    Oh yeah and Ben really steps his game up in primetime

    Kiss the Rings b****hes...Go STEELERS
  7. <i>rudine@...</i>
    3. Posted by rudine@... Wed Nov 4 11:33pm EST

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    A player health is more important a football game. the steelers has to many weapons than to risk someone health.
  8. sylvester M
    2. Posted by sylvester M Wed Nov 4 9:34pm EST

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    He has to much to lose for this. i hope the coach makes the right
    choice for this.
  9. Chris
    1. Posted by Chris Wed Nov 4 5:29pm EST

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    Go ahead and sit him. We cant afford to lose starting players in the second half of the season. Pittsburgh should be able to handle Denver just fine.
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