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Clark has reason for playing
PITTSBURGH - Steelers safety Ryan Clark has had Monday night's game at Washington circled on his calendar since the NFL released its schedule.
But not for the reason many would think.
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While Clark admits to some initial bitterness about the Redskins not re-signing him, that's not why he is eager to return to Washington's FedExField.
"I thought all season about playing in Washington and getting the opportunity to point to Sean Taylor's number in the ring of fame in Washington," said Clark. "It's not so much vindictive, but to get an opportunity to play there and give some tribute to him."
Taylor, who started beside Clark in 2004 and '05, was gunned down in his home last fall in a botched robbery attempt. The two were close friends and Clark has paid tribute to Taylor by wearing a No. 21 jersey - Taylor's number - during practice this year.
Clark petitioned the league in the offseason to change his game jersey to honor Taylor, but was denied. In last week's 21-14 loss to the Giants at Heinz Field, Clark had the number 21 written on his eye black patches, drawing a $5,000 fine from the league.
"That's what happens when you're a short, skinny guy from Louisiana and not that fast," Clark said. "That's how they treat you."
The short, skinny guy has been a big part of the Steelers' top-rated defense this season, ranking second to linebacker James Farrior with 54 tackles. He's also broken up four passes.
Despite his desire to be in the lineup when the Steelers (5-2) take on the Redskins (6-2), a shoulder injury may not let that happen.
Clark suffered a dislocated shoulder in the third quarter against the Giants and is listed as doubtful to play.
He said the shoulder feels better and has spoken with head coach Mike Tomlin about playing this week, but Tomlin may not want to press Clark back into action too soon.
As Tomlin found last season, a healthy Clark in the lineup is important to the Steelers defense.
Clark suffered a spleen injury in the sixth game last season and missed the remainder of the year. Anthony Smith and Tyrone Carter shared time at Clark's free safety position, but there was a marked difference in their level of play. Carter is expected to start if Clark is ruled out against the Redskins.
"The injury he's dealing with right now is a little different than the injury he dealt with a year ago," said Tomlin. "I think a year ago we were more concerned about his health than dealing with a short-term misery of dealing with an injury. Hopefully, it's a week and then we move forward."
Clark said he'll respect Tomlin's decision about his status. That decision will be made by Friday.
"I'm not going to lie, this shoulder is definitely not worth going to hell over," Clark said. "There will be some restraints on things I can do. But I feel I can play through it. The doctors are going to check me out and make sure that there's no structural damage before I go out there. The team cares about my well being in the long run.
"If we're going to be playing in January and hopefully in February, I want to be a part of the team then."
Odds and end zones
Nose tackle Casey Hampton (toe), quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder), left tackle Marvel Smith (back), linebacker Keyaron Fox (hamstring), linebacker LaMarr Woodley (calf), cornerback Bryant McFadden (arm), wide receiver Hines Ward (coach's decision) and cornerback Deshea Townsend (coach's decision) did not practice Wednesday. Running back Willie Parker, who has missed the past four games with a sprained knee, practiced and said he's ready to return. Parker has practiced in each of the previous two weeks, but had soreness in the knee. He worked out Tuesday and reported no soreness yesterday. After missing practice last week because of a personal issue, defensive end Aaron Smith was at practice.
