Steelers won't make announcement whether Clark will play at Denver until Monday

PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Steelers won't announce whether safety Ryan Clark(notes) will play in Denver until Monday night, although he is not expected to be in uniform.

Clark nearly died following a game in Denver two years ago because of a rare blood disorder that is aggravated by playing in high altitude. While Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has not publicly said so, he is believed to have told Clark to sit out the game.

Clark had his spleen and gall bladder removed during separate operations and he lost 30 pounds after the Oct. 21, 2007, game in Denver, which ended his season. Many of Clark's teammates told him he should skip the game.

Clark is not listed on the Steelers' injury report because he is not hurt and he practised all week.