Steelers' Clark Uncertain About Denver Trip

Steelers safety Ryan Clark still is unsure if he will play at Denver on Sunday.

Clark became almost deathly ill after playing in Denver's thin air two years ago, losing his spleen and gall bladder plus 30 pounds due to medical complications that ended his season. The 5-and-2 Steelers travel to Denver again on Monday, and Clark and coach Mike Tomlin haven't decided if he will suit up.

Clark practiced Monday as the Steelers returned from a full week off, but several teammates are hoping he doesn't play.

The illness was blamed on Clark having sickle cell trait, but Tomlin said Clark has an additional condition that aggravated the problem. Numerous players with sickle cell trait have played in Denver without problems, according to Tomlin.

If Clark doesn't play, Tyrone Carter or Deshea Townsend probably would take his place. Carter filled in when Polamalu missed four games with a torn left knee ligament.

To help prepare for playing in Denver, Ward said he expects Steelers players, including linebacker James Harrison, Polamalu and Holmes, to spend time in a hyperbaric chamber, which is used to treat altitude sickness.

The devices are expensive -- a portable chamber costs $16,000 to $20,000-plus, and a full-sized hospital unit can cost $1 million -- but Ward refers to his as "the fountain of youth." Ward said a hyperbaric chamber promotes the production of red blood cells, thus increasing energy and accelerating the recovery time from injuries.

"A hyperbaric chamber is a lot like training in Denver," Ward said. "I'll be in there every day this week. ... They're expensive, but they're well worth the investment."

Steelers running back Willie Parker missed practice Monday due to illness, but is expected to be ready for the Monday night game.