The Pittsburgh Steelers are playing it safe with safety Ryan Clark and holding him out of the team's game at Denver.

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.

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

Ten-year veteran Tyrone Carter and rookie Ryan Mundy were expected to split snaps in Clark's place.

Clark was doing some light running on the field Monday but was not going to dress for the game.