NFL NOTEBOOK: Safety 1st for Clark in thin air
Safety Ryan Clark is usually one of the Pittsburgh Steelers' most talkative players. But he is talking little as it becomes increasingly likely he won't play Monday night in Denver because of a rare blood condition that nearly caused him to die after playing there two years ago.
Nearly all of Clark's teammates are urging him to skip the game. Even if Clark pleaded with them to play, the Steelers appear reluctant to take a chance considering how seriously ill he became after that 2007 game, which the Broncos won 31-28.
Clark was hospitalized in Denver when complications from sickle-cell trait prevented oxygen from flowing into his spleen. He later needed operations to remove his spleen and gall bladder, and the 205-pound Clark lost more than 30 pounds before he finally began feeling better more than two months later.
Clark is among the estimated 1 percent of those affected by the sickle-cell condition who react poorly to exerting themselves in high altitude.
BLACHE DEFENDS SNYDER: Washington Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache defended the man who pays his salary, saying ''Enough's enough'' when it comes to criticism of owner Dan Snyder.
Blache said he was moved to speak after reading comments made by Hall of Fame running back John Riggins, who called Snyder a ''bad guy'' whose ''heart is dark'' in an interview for Showtime's ''Inside the NFL.''
''That's totally, totally untrue,'' Blache said. ''And the problem is the fans don't get to know Mr. Snyder like we do, and so they get an impression of things that are written and things people say.''
Blache said his family has been helped by Snyder, and that the owner has supported Blache's involvement in hospice. Blache then called Snyder ''one of the most generous, kind individuals you could ever meet.''
HASSELBECK BACK: Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck participated fully in practice a day after sitting out to give his broken ribs a rest.
Seneca Wallace ran the first-team offense Wednesday, but Hasselbeck led the charge Thursday. Coach Jim Mora said Hasselbeck was a bit beat up after playing all of the 38-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys last week.
AP