Mike Tomlin spoke to reporters after the practice that followed a lengthy break for the Steelers.
The Steelers did not practice last week because of their bye week — and presumably because they had won four consecutive games prior to their only extended break of the regular season.
Here are some excerpts from what Tomlin said, particularly in regard to free safety Ryan Clark, who may not play in Denver because of health concerns.
Q: Has a decision been made regarding Ryan Clark, who has been cleared medically to play in Denver?
A: "The decision lies with he and myself. We’re going to weigh all of our options and evaluate this thing as we proceed throughout the week. It’s not a decision that needs to be made now as opposed to later. We understand the elements of what he is dealing with. I’m sure at some point this he and I are going to sit down and see what actions we’re going to take.”
Q: Did he or Clark need that medical clearance to be reassured that he would be OK if he plays against the Broncos?
A: “That was step one of even considering the possibility of allowing this man to play. His physical health, his wellbeing is paramount. We’re going to attempt to do what’s right. We’re going to weigh all our options and we’re going to come to a decision at some point this week. Really haven’t put a timetable on it at this point.”
Q: Could he overrule Clark if Clark wants to play?
A: “That’s a possibility, sure.” “I don’t have a problem breathing when I go to Denver.”
Q: How does this week play out as far as Clark and his potential replacements at free safety?
A: "He’s going to take in information and reps and prepare to play in the football game. His backups are going to do the same and then at an appropriate time we’ll sit down and come to a decision. Ryan is healthy enough to practice so we’re going to let him practice but we’re going to be prudent as well and give other people some reps. Those guys defensively are interchangeable and are always prepared to play."
Q: How comfortable is he with the depth at free safety if Clark does not play?
"We play Deshea at safety, we play Keiwan Ratliff at safety, Ryan Mundy, T.C. Troy hasn’t practiced a lot here this year so it’s provided opportunities for those guys to ready themselves for action so that’s less of an issue I think as it could be if Troy practiced a lot this year. Those guys have got an extended amount of reps as far as preparation. "
November 2nd, 2009 - 7:54 pm
This game (of football) is not worth risking ones life over. No one has the right to put this kind of pressure on any player. His issue is not something the trainers can just wrap in tape. I think Ryan should sit this one out and the other 10 defensive guys and his replacement, along with the offensive unit vow to step up their game and win this one in his absence. We're going to need him down the stretch!
November 2nd, 2009 - 8:57 pm
hear, hear, I second that mike, for what he went through last time and it put him out of action for a good 2 seasons, and what his body had to endure to that extent, R.C. SIT THIS GAME OUT, IT YOU CAN'T TAKE YOUR GAME CHECK WITH YOU, your body might not have , it in it to fight a second round, think about it this way, LIFE vs. ONE GAME hECK, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF PLAYING A PLAY OFF GAME THERE, you never know! sit this out, 8 left after this one.
November 2nd, 2009 - 9:10 pm
what are the odds of beating the 6-1 broncos, I was kinda hoping that the Broncos would still be undefeated nxt Mon-nite, because the Steelers have carved a little history of beating good quality undefeated teams, but as it satands the Broncos will go into Monday nights game with a little chip on thier shoulders, but that one loss takes away from that little history. anyway, I am glad the bye is over, this past Sunday was a long one. welp, see you all in Denver!