After talking to Ryan Clark today and seeing him in the locker room the past couple of weeks, I can only come to the conclusion that it may be weeks or even months before he's ready to play football again.
The spleen problem he has – which was brought on by playing football in high altitudes while carrying the sickle cell trait – is a painful one and Clark is still struggling to move around in everyday life.
It's a difficult situation, especially considering what a good guy Clark is and how well-liked he is by his teammates. You can only hope that he gets well enough to move on from this setback.
That is sad to hear. Clark seems like a good guy and he was playing very well this year I think. Do they plan on putting him on IR and perhaps signing someone else? I would hate to see him be done for the year though.
ReplyDeleteDale,
ReplyDeleteHopefully you mind Steelers fans leaving a little "Get Well" message here.
Perhaps you can let Ryan know as well...
Ryan,
ReplyDeleteGet well! We hope to see you back on the field soon, but your health and family come first.
Take care and best wishes!
Ryan,
ReplyDeleteWe wish you a speedy and full recovery! Football can wait...you take care of the important stuff first.
I think they're waiting to see how he feels in another week or two. They'll need him down the road to face NE and possibly Indy. He's certainly better back there than Tyrone Carter.
ReplyDeleteDale, that's insightful and fascinating about the sickle cell trait. I hope he is able to return soon but mostly best wishes on his overall health. Isn't he the same fellow who last year struggled to keep his weight up by eating lots?
ReplyDeleteTell him I said keeping weight on wont be a problem once he hits 40.
Still hrd to realize these guys a human also. Best wishes and postive engery to Ryan.
ReplyDeleteClark underwent surgery to remove his spleen today. The docs think it is likely he'll be able to play football again next year.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to Ryan for a speedy recovery.