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Steelers coach Mike Tomlin didn’t have to think too long about whether to play Ryan Clark in Denver this week.

The long-term safety of his player comes first, before any playoff game. Clark will sit this one out.

“I met with Ryan Clark and have informed him I am not going to allow him to play in this game,” Tomlin said Tuesday, calling it an “easy decision.”

Good for Tomlin. This is the type of decision that shows why players love Tomlin.

Clark expressed willingness to play in the game despite his sickle cell trait that caused a variety of health problems in 2007. Clark lost his spleen, his gall bladder, and 30 pounds after the ordeal.

Tomlin planned to meet with medical professionals Monday. Clearly, they must have had reservations. The Steelers are already banged up at cornerback, where they announced the signing of Anthony Madison this week.

Looking at the bright side: The Broncos are the team you want to face if you are short on defensive backs.