Ryan Clark Out Sunday?

[Atlanta Dan]

Free safety Ryan Clark (inflamed spleen) did not practice for the second day in a row and might not play against the Bengals

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07299/828705-66.stm

With the problems in the pass coverage this is not good news, even though this same story reports Ocho Cinco has bad ankle and also has not practiced.

The vibe around this game has not improved for me as the week has progressed.

[LambertLunatic]

I like Ryan Clark, but he's hanging onto his starting job by a thread. There's no measurable dropoff with Smith in there instead. If Clark is out for a couple of weeks, it'll only get Smith more experience for the stretch run.

[Counselor]

Originally Posted by LambertLunatic

I like Ryan Clark, but he's hanging onto his starting job by a thread. There's no measurable dropoff with Smith in there instead. If Clark is out for a couple of weeks, it'll only get Smith more experience for the stretch run.

Don't kid yourself---Clark will be missed. He is like a safety version of Deshea Townsend----they might not be the hardest hitters or the most athletic, but they play smart----which is why they have the starting jobs. Against an offense like Cincy---playing smart is important.

That said, Smith is a very capable back up. Aaron Smith's absence is the one that concerns me more.

[SCSTILLER]

Originally Posted by Counselor

Don't kid yourself---Clark will be missed. He is like a safety version of Deshea Townsend----they might not be the hardest hitters or the most athletic, but they play smart----which is why they have the starting jobs. Against an offense like Cincy---playing smart is important.

That said, Smith is a very capable back up. Aaron Smith's absence is the one that concerns me more.

I have to agree with you on this one. Smith is capable of being in there, but with the offense that Cincy runs, I would rather have Clark. But, I am looking forward to Smith laying out Ocho Cinco and TJ Whateverthehellhisameis! Hopefully the opportunity will be there.

And again, I do beleive Aaron Smiths absence will be missed more! Heres to a win over the Bungles

[revefsreleets]

Anthony Smith brings it, though. He's a playmenker and a ball hog. I think he'll shine if he gets more playing time.

[rbryan]

I thought Clark looked bad on more than a few plays in Denver. It now appears he was playing hurt, so you have to take that into consideration. Bottom line, if he's hurt theres not much to debate, gotta go with Smith.

[tony hipchest]

Originally Posted by rbryan

I thought Clark looked bad on more than a few plays in Denver. It now appears he was playing hurt, so you have to take that into consideration. Bottom line, if he's hurt theres not much to debate, gotta go with Smith.

he admitted he was pretty winded and couldnt catch his breath after special teams to recover and immediately go back to playing defense, like he normally does.

had more been known about his condition, im almost sure he would not have been playing on special teams in denver.

[Galax Steeler]

I think if he was playing hurt he should have pulled himself out of the game to help his team.I would like to see more of smith.

[Steeldude]

i hope he plays. i don't want to see smith in there. all i have seen from him are a few good hits and about a dozen lame dances. more to football than getting a good hit.

[Galax Steeler]

Originally Posted by ?teeldude

i hope he plays. i don't want to see smith in there. all i have seen from him are a few good hits and about a dozen lame dances. more to football than getting a good hit.

There is more to smith than a few good hits and lame dances he is around the ball on almost every play and he is also making plays defending the pass and intercepting some passes he is our future safety.