Broncos notes: Altitude likely to sideline Steelers' Clark

Ryan Clark is practicing and the Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing as if he will play at Denver on Monday, but coach Mike Tomlin said no decision has been made.

Clark has sickle-cell trait, and had a life-threatening reaction after playing in Denver’s altitude in 2007. He had his spleen and gall bladder removed.

Clark has been medically cleared, although the NFL’s Web site reported Clark is “highly unlikely” to play at Denver.

Tomlin said he hadn’t made a decision on Clark’s status and won’t until later in the week.

“We’re going to decide once, live with it and go play one way or another,” Tomlin said.

Polamalu admiration
Steelers safety Troy Polamalu has a lot of fans, including Broncos safety Brian Dawkins.

“He is just one of those guys that I would put on film and I just love to watch him play,” Dawkins said. “I am not ashamed or afraid to say that I put on some tapes and watch those guys to see what he does and see if I can steal some things. That is how great of a safety he is.”

Odds and ends
The Broncos had four players miss practice: offensive tackle Ryan Harris, safety David Bruton, defensive end Ryan McBean and cornerback Jack Williams. Harris has already been ruled out this week.