News: Steelers safety Ryan Clark (hip) was cleared to play Week 14 vs. San Diego after being probable on the injury report.
Analysis: Clark is on pace for a second straight 100-tackle season and continues to be a standout playmaker in the Pittsburgh secondary. He remains a viable Fantasy start in all IDP formats.
News: Steelers defensive back Ryan Clark hit the practice field for the first time this week and was a full participant in practice Friday leading up to Week 14 at home against the Chargers. Clark, who is dealing with a hip injury, is listed as probable for Sunday's contest.
Analysis: Clark has been dealing with a hip pointer since Week 6 and was on the injury report recently after suffering a concussion. He has 80 tackles on the year to go along with two interceptions thus far. It'll be hard to keep Clark off the field for Sunday's game, so consider him as a viable start in most IDP formats heading into Week 14.
News: Steelers defensive back Ryan Clark registered his second interception of the season in Week 13 against the Ravens. Clark stepped in front of a Joe Flacco pass attempt in the second quarter. He finished with four tackles -- three solo -- in the 23-20 win.
Analysis: Clark's last interception came back in Week 3, so it was nice to see him come down with one Sunday afternoon. The 33-year-old's two picks rank second on the team and he now has 80 tackles on the year, which also ranks second. Fantasy owners should continue to roll with Clark as a viable start in most IDP formats heading into Week 14.
News: Steelers safety Ryan Clark totaled nine tackles (five solo) Week 12 at Cleveland. Clark has 76 tackles in 10 games.
Analysis: Clark has managed less than seven tackles just twice in 10 games this season. He is on pace for a second straight 100-tackle season and that makes him a viable Fantasy play in IDP formats.
News: Steelers defensive back Ryan Clark was ruled active for Sunday's game against the Ravens in Week 11 despite dealing with post-concussion symptoms. Clark sustained the injury near the end of last week's game against the Chiefs but was never a threat to miss Sunday's game.
Analysis: It's impressive to see Clark fight his way back from a concussion in a short week, after getting hurt last Monday night. Clark has 62 tackles and an interception through eight games this season as he continues to be a reliable option in Fantasy. Owners should keep the 33-year-old active in deeper IDP formats heading into Week 11.
News: Steelers defensive back Ryan Clark was listed as probable on Friday's injury report and is expected to play in Week 11 against the Ravens. He suffered a concussion a week ago.
Analysis: Clark has 62 tackles and an interception through eight games this season as he continues to be a reliable option in Fantasy. Since he is expected to play Sunday, keep the 33-year-old active in deeper IDP formats.
News: Steelers defensive back Ryan Clark was forced to leave in Week 10 against the Chiefs after suffering a concussion. Clark sustained the injury right near the end of regulation when he collided with Dwayne Bowe. He finished with 10 tackles -- eight solo -- in the 16-13 win and was also credited with a pair of pass breakups.
Analysis: Clark said he was fine after the game but he will now have to pass the league's mandated baseline test before he is cleared to play again. Fantasy owners will have to keep an eye on his status moving forward to when he will be able to get back on the field. Clark now has 62 stops on the year and can be considered a viable option in most IDP formats when healthy.
News: Pittsburgh defensive back Ryan Clark is active and starting the Week 9 game against the Giants after being a full participant in practice during the week. Clark missed last week's game due to a concussion but is now able to return for Pittsburgh's secondary.
Analysis: Clark is looking to bounce back after missing a game due to his head injury. He has had some inconsistent performances this season and has racked up 44 tackles through six games. He is important to the Pittsburgh defense but Fantasy owners can consider him just a low-end Fantasy option in IDP formats.
News: Steelers defensive back Ryan Clark practiced in full for the third consecutive day and is listed as probable for Week 9 against the Giants. Clark was forced out of last week's game against the Redskins with a concussion, but is expected to play.
Analysis: Clark should be able to suit up on Sunday and will look to bounce back after some inconsistent performances this season. He has racked up 44 tackles through six games thus season and should be viewed as a viable Fantasy IDP option in deeper formats moving forward.
News: Pittsburgh defensive back Ryan Clark suffered a concussion during the Week 8 game against the Redskins and could not return. Clark was leading the Steelers in tackles at the time of his injury with seven.
Analysis: Clark is very important to the Pittsburgh secondary but doesn't rack up enough tackles on a consistent basis to be considered a solid option in most Fantasy IDP formats on a weekly basis. We are not sure his status entering Week 9 at the Giants, but Clark should only be active in deeper formats, when healthy.
News: Steelers defensive back Ryan Clark was forced out Thursday's game against the Titans in Week 6 with a hip pointer. Clark suffered the injury in the fourth quarter after falling awkwardly on his head while chasing down Chris Johnson. He still managed to finish as the game's leading tackler, as he registered 11 tackles, eight solo, in a 23-26 defeat.
Analysis: Clark now has 30 tackles with an interception on the season after making his debut in Week 2. Although he landed awkwardly on his head and it appeared that he may have injured his neck, the team revealed that Clark had injured his hip. At this point it is uncertain how serious his injury is as his status for Week 7 on the road against the Bengals. We'll continue to keep an eye on his status moving forward. Clark is considered as a quality defensive back in IDP formats and should be kept active, when healthy.
News: Steelers defensive back Ryan Clark had four tackles and one pass knocked down Sunday against the Eagles in Week 5. All four of his tackles were solo stops.
Analysis: Clark now has 19 tackles on the season and remains a quality defensive back in IDP leagues. Keep him active in all formats in Week 6 at the Titans on Thursday night.
News: Pittsburgh defensive back Ryan Clark picked off Carson Palmer for his first interception of the season during Sunday's contest against the Raiders in Week 3,. Clark registered a team-high seven tackles (six solo), including a tackle for a loss in a 34-31 defeat.
Analysis: Clark showed why he is one of the top playmakers on this Steelers' defense, especially without Troy Polamalu and James Harrison in the lineup. He has 15 tackles through his first two games, after missing the season-opener because of sickle cell blood disorder that prevented him from playing at the high altitude. The Steelers have a bye next week as they'll prepare to face the Eagles at home in Week 5. Fantasy owners should consider him as a low-end IDP option moving forward.
News: Pittsburgh defensive back Ryan Clark registered a team-high eight tackles, including seven solo stops, during the Steelers' 27-10 win over the Jets in Week 2. Clark, who was making his season debut, also posted one tackle for a loss and a pass defended.
Analysis: Clark was absent from Pittsburgh's season-opening loss at Denver because of sickle cell blood disorder that prevented him from playing at the high altitude. But he hardly missed a beat against New York and remains a key part of the secondary. Consider him a low-end Fantasy option for now.
News: As previously announced, Steelers defensive back Ryan Clark was not in uniform for the team's season opener in Denver, as the result of a pre-existing sickle cell blood disorder. He is fully healthy otherwise, so he should be back in the starting lineup next week.
Analysis: Clark had to spend time in a hospital and had his spleen removed the last time he played in Denver, so the team is smartly taking no chances. He should be back on the field in Week 2 against the Jets, and is a worthy Fantasy IDP option moving forward.
News: Pittsburgh defensive back Ryan Clark will travel but not play in the Steelers' season opener Sunday at Denver because of a continued bout with sickle cell blood disorder. Clark, who is one an estimated 2 million Americans who suffer from the disorder, actually was part of a partnership that launched the "Cure League" on Tuesday, hoping to bring more attention to the disease.
Analysis: Clark, who has the sickle cell trait but doesn't have full-fledged sickle cell anemia, had to have his spleen removed after the disease was aggravated playing at high elevation in Denver in 2007. He eventually lost 35 pounds and was forced to miss the rest of the season. Clark registered a career-high 100 tackles last season and is a solid option in most Fantasy IDP formats despite his low interception totals.
News: Pittsburgh DB Ryan Clark will not be able to play on Sunday in the AFC Wild Card game at Denver. Clark has a sickle cell trait and cannot play football in the high altitude of Denver. In 2007, Clark lost his spleen, gall bladder and 30 pounds after playing football at a high altitude plus playing with the sickle-cell trait in Denver. Clark consulted a doctor recently, who helped make the decision for him not to play.
Analysis: Clark had 100 tackles on the season for the Steelers' defense to go with a sack and an interception. He is a solid Fantasy option in IDP formats. That said, owners need to avoid him in playoff leagues due to his condition.
News: Pittsburgh DB Ryan Clark will speak with doctors about playing in the Wild Card playoff round at Denver. Clark has missed the last two games played in Denver as he has a blood condition. In 2007, Clark lost his spleen, gall bladder and 30 pounds after playing football at a high altitude plus playing with a sickle-cell trait. It triggered a reaction.
Analysis: Clark had 100 tackles on the season for the Steelers' defense to go with a sack and an interception. He is a solid Fantasy option in IDP formats. That said, owners might avoid him in playoff leagues due to his condition.
News: Steelers DB Ryan Clark led the team with 10 tackles (nine solo) in Pittsburgh's 14-3 victory over the Browns in Week 14.
Analysis: Clark now has 86 tackles on the season, putting him just four shy of his career high. He has just one interception, so he doesn't contribute much beyond tackles, but he has been a solid source of tackles from the DB position. You could do worse in a pinch, but he's still just a low-end Fantays option in IDP formats.
News: Steelers DB Ryan Clark posted a team-high eight tackles in a Week 10 win over the Bengals. He now has a total of 65 tackles on the season.
Analysis: Clark has been a consistent producer of tackles of late, but he has just one interception this year. Continue to view him as a low-end DB for IDP formats.
News: Steelers DB Ryan Clark made some big hits in Week 8. He finished with a team-high eight tackles, five solo, in Pittsburgh's 25-17 win over the Patriots.
Analysis: Clark has one interception this year and now has 50 tackles to his credit. Fantasy owners should continue to view him as a low-end DB option in IDP leagues.
News: Pittsburgh DB Ryan Clark recorded an interception on Sunday of Week 7 at Arizona. Clark picked off a Kevin Kolb pass in the game and added four tackles for the Steelers in the win.
Analysis: Clark picked up his first interception of the season on Sunday and was coming off a 10-tackle game in Week 6 against Jacksonville. He's been pretty good in recent weeks and makes plenty of stops for a DB. Consider him a low-end option in IDP formats for the Week 8 game against the Patriots.
News: Pittsburgh DB Ryan Clark had a season-high 10 tackles, including one for a loss, during the Steelers' 17-13 win over Jacksonville in Week 6 on Sunday. Clark, who was considered probable for the game because of a quadriceps injury, had five solo tackles.
Analysis: Clark didn't appear to be slowed by the injury and nearly matched his tackle total from the previous two games combined (12). He was one of two Steelers to finish with double-digits in tackles as they held the Jaguars to 209 total yards. Consider Clark a low-end option in Fantasy IDP formats.
News: Pittsburgh DB Ryan Clark is active for Week 6 against Jacksonville after being listed as probable with a quadriceps injury. Clark went through his normal pregame routine and is expected to start and play without difficulty. LB Jason Worilds, who has the same injury, is inactive.
Analysis: Clark went through practice as a full participant on Thursday and Friday, and didn't seem to be in danger of missing his first game of the season. He has recorded 28 tackles this season, but does not have an interception. Consider him a low-end option in Fantasy IDP formats.
News: Pittsburgh DB Ryan Clark (quadriceps) is listed on the team's injury report as probable for Week 6 against Jacksonville. Clark was a full participant in practice Thursday and Friday after being limited in Wednesday's session because of the issue.
Analysis: Clark has played in all five of the Steelers' games this season and is expected to suit up against the Jaguars. The 10-year veteran has amassed 28 tackles, but is still searching for his first interception. Consider him a low-end option in Fantasy IDP formats when healthy.
News: Pittsburgh DB Ryan Clark led with his helmet and was called for an unnecessary roughness penalty early in the Week 11 win over the Raiders. Clark lay on the ground injured but ultimately returned to the game. He finished with seven tackles, three solo.
Analysis: Clark, who may face a penalty after leading with his helmet in the Week 11 game, avoided a serious neck injury on the play. Clark has been a solid tackler this season with 57 tackles. He has one interception as well. Clark is probably a bit underowned in Fantasy IDP leagues. That said, his value is still pretty low-end.
News: Steelers DB Ryan Clark was able to rack up nine tackles -- five solo -- in the Week 10 loss to the explosive Patriots and Tom Brady, who put up 39 points against the feared Pittsburgh defense. "You know how it is when somebody does something against us," Clark said. "The sky is falling and we anoint that guy Baby Jesus. But Tom went out and did what Tom is supposed to do."
Analysis: Clark has consistently improved in the secondary, but as of right now he is not worth starting in Fantasy formats.
News: Steelers DB Ryan Clark knocked down one of QB Drew Bress' passes in the Week 8 game against the Saints. He added four tackles (two solo) in the loss. "I thought (Drew) Brees and the Saints showed a lot of resolve," Clark said. "Maybe coming off a week like Cleveland when he tried to force some things, I think he showed a lot of patience against us."
Analysis: Clark has become a mainstay in the Steelers secondary but continues to get overshadowed by Pro Bowler Troy Polamalu. Still, he has held his own and should be used as a low-end Fantasy DB moving forward.
News: Steelers DB Ryan Clark totaled five tackles (three solo) and one interception in Week 6 against the Browns. It was his first interception of the season and ninth in his career.
Analysis: Clark quietly posted 80-tackle seasons in 2008 and 2009 and has become a reliable contributor in the Steelers' secondary. However, he doesn't get a ton of sacks or interceptions, so he remains a low-end Fantasy DB.
News: Steelers DB Ryan Clark recorded a season-high nine tackles in Week 4 against the Ravens. He was also credited with his first pass defensed of the season.
Analysis: Clark is the beneficiary of playing opposite Troy Polamalu, which forces a lot of action his way. His Fantasy value appears to be picking up steam with each week and he is a worthy addition in larger IDP formats as a result.
News: Steelers DB Ryan Clark recovered a key fumble in the Week 3 win against the Bucs. He also had three solo tackles on the day. Clark was asked if this dominating defense compares to the Super Bowl defense from 2007. "It's a little early for that (comparison). Right now we will try to enjoy this win, but we're already looking forward to next week (against Baltimore)," Clark said.
Analysis: Clark has a lot of responsibility on the field opposite of DB Troy Polamalu, but has little Fantasy value in IDP leagues. Keep him off of rosters.
News: Steelers DB Ryan Clark was able to play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Panthers. He got the start after missing last Sunday's preseason game against Denver when the high altitude caused complications with his blood. Clark has sickle cell anemia.
Analysis: Clark is the starting free safety in Pittsburgh who had a career-high 89 tackles last season. While Clark's numbers might take a slight hit in 2010, he's worth keeping an eye on during the first few weeks of the season. Don't draft him outside of the deepest of IDP leagues, however.
News: Steelers DB Ryan Clark will not play in this Sunday's preseason game against Denver. Clark had a near-death experience at Denver in 2007 when the high altitude caused complications with his blood. Clark has the sickle cell trait. Will Allen will take his place as a starter.
Analysis: Clark is the starting free safety in Pittsburgh who had a career-high 89 tackles last season. While Clark's numbers might take a slight hit in 2010, he's worth keeping an eye on during the first few weeks of the season. Don't draft him, though.
News: The Steelers re-signed safety Ryan Clark, keeping their secondary in tact. Clark was rumored to head out of town but signed a four-year deal to stay in Pittsburgh instead. Clark had an up and down season as the Steelers went 9-7 and didn't make the playoffs after winning the Super Bowl during the 2008 season. With star safety Troy Polamalu missing most of the season with two knee injuries, Clark struggled in coverage at times and, displaying a bit of late-season frustration, criticized Steelers fans for being more demanding than those in other cities.
Analysis: Clark will be a big help to the Steelers DST but he's just not a reliable Fantasy option. Keep him off rosters unless you need a low-end one-week replacement during the season.
News: The Steelers had several defenders make plays Sunday against the Bengals. William Gay had nine tackles. Ryan Clark had six tackles. James Farrior had nine tackles. Lawrence Timmons had eight tackles. LaMarr Woodley had four tackles and a sack. James Harrison had three tackles and a sack.
Analysis: The Steelers defenders should play well in Week 11 at Kansas City. Start all your regular IDP options against the Chiefs and look for a good outing.
News: The Pittsburgh Steelers are playing it safe with safety Ryan Clark and holding him out of the team's game at Denver on Monday night. Clark nearly died following a game in Denver two years ago because of a rare blood disorder that is aggravated by playing in high altitude. Clark had his spleen and gall bladder removed during separate operations and he lost 30 pounds after the Oct. 21, 2007, game in Invesco Field that ended his season. Many of Clark's teammates told him he should skip this game.
Analysis: Clark is worth more to Pittsburgh than Fantasy owners so you shouldn't have issues with his missing the game. He has low-end Fantasy appeal in IDP leagues.
News: ESPN reports that Pittsburgh DB Ryan Clark is out for the Monday night game in Denver because of possible sickle cell complications stemming from a previous incident that almost ended his career or worse. Clark was actually cleared to play in the game but the Steelers didn't want to take any chances.
Analysis: Clark is worth more to Pittsburgh than Fantasy owners so you shouldn't have issues with his missing the game. He has low-end Fantasy appeal in IDP leagues.
News: The Pittsburgh Steelers won't announce whether safety Ryan Clark will play in Denver until Monday night, although he is not expected to be in uniform. Clark nearly died following a game in Denver two years ago because of a rare blood disorder that is aggravated by playing in high altitude. While Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has not publicly said so, he is believed to have told Clark to sit out the game. Clark had his spleen and gall bladder removed during separate operations and he lost 30 pounds after the Oct. 21, 2007, game in Denver, which ended his season. Many of Clark's teammates told him he should skip the game. Clark is not listed on the Steelers' injury report because he is not hurt and he practiced all week.
Analysis: It sounds like Clark will miss the game against the Broncos. The safe option in IDP leagues is to keep Clark reserved and hope he can overcome this illness soon. When healthy, he is a low-end IDP option in all leagues.
News:Ryan Clark may be saying everything he needs to say with his growing silence. The Pittsburgh Steelers safety is usually one of the team's most talkative players, but he is saying little as it becomes increasingly likely he won't play Monday in Denver due to a rare blood condition that nearly caused him to die after playing there two years ago. Nearly all of Clark's teammates are urging him to skip the game. The other Steelers safeties are being readied to play, and Clark does not appear as upbeat or as excited as he normally does before a game. Before practice on Thursday, when he often chats with reporters, he sat alone in front of his locker, looking at messages on his cell phone.
Analysis: It sounds like Clark will miss the game against the Broncos. The safe option in IDP leagues is to keep Clark reserved and hope he can overcome this illness soon. When healthy, he is a low-end IDP option in all leagues.
News: Steelers S Ryan Clark remains unsure if he'll play in Denver next Monday. "I've been cleared to play, but the decision still hasn't been made," Clark said Monday. "The decision lies with myself." If he doesn't play, either Ryan Mundy or Tyrone Carter will take his place. Doctors have cleared Clark, who has the sickle-cell trait, to play against Denver next Monday, but that's not a guarantee he'll play. Clark came down with a mysterious, life-threatening illness there in 2007 and lost his spleen and gall bladder because of the high altitude.
Analysis: It's an odd disorder that Clark has, but one that might impact those owners using him in Fantasy play. He's typically no better than a No. 3 DB when active.
News: Steelers safety Ryan Clark isn't injured, yet he isn't sure if he can play in the team's next game Nov. 9 at Denver. Clark didn't play the rest of the 2007 season after becoming ill following an Oct. 21 game in Denver. He was hospitalized overnight in Denver, and his condition worsened after he returned to Pittsburgh. Clark's spleen and gall bladder eventually were removed, and he lost more than 30 pounds before finally regaining his strength about three months later. Doctors told him his sickle-cell trait was aggravated by the high altitude in Denver and caused a serious blood disorder. Clark plans to accompany the Steelers to Denver for the Monday night game, but isn't certain if he will be in uniform. He plans to talk to doctors during the Steelers' bye week and again next week, if necessary. "We'll figure it out. We haven't figured it out yet," Clark said. "We don't know yet."
Analysis: It's an odd disorder that Clark has, but one that might impact those owners using him in Fantasy play. He's typically no better than a No. 3 DB when active.
News: Pittsburgh DB Ryan Clark recorded his first interception of the season in Week 5 in a win over Detroit. Clark picked off Daunte Culpepper's pass and finished with seven tackles in the game.
Analysis: Clark has 30 tackles thus far on the year and just now picked up his first interception. He really does not record enough Fantasy points consistently to be considered in IDP play Week 6 against the Browns.
News: Pittsburgh has listed QB Dennis Dixon as the team's 3rd quarterback for Week 17's regular season finale hosting the Cleveland Browns. The following players are also inactive for the game: FS Ryan Clark, DB Fernando Bryant, LB Bruce Davis, DT Scott Paxson and LB James Harrison.
Analysis: Most of these players are reserves for the Steelers when active and don't contribute enough statistically to matter in Fantasy even when healthy. That status should continue into 2009. The one exception here is Harrison, who is a must-start when healthy.
News: Steelers safety Ryan Clark said he thought he separated his shoulder in Week 17 at Tennessee, but after the game thought he was OK.
Analysis: Clark is having an outstanding season in the secondary for the Steelers, but since he is not racking up the picks, he still remains just a low-end Fantasy DB.
News: Steelers DB Ryan Clark totaled six tackles (two solo) and one interception during a Week 15 win against the Ravens. It was his first pick of the season and now has 77 tackles on the season.
Analysis: Clark is having an outstanding season in the secondary for the Steelers, but since he is not racking up the picks, he still remains just a low-end Fantasy DB.
News: The Steelers listed QB Dennis Dixon, DB Bryant McFadden, DB Ryan Clark, DL Bruce Davis, LB Keyaron Fox and DL Orpheus Roye among their inactives for Week 9 at Washington.
Analysis: None of these players contributes enough statistically to matter in Fantasy even when healthy. Leave them all on waivers.
News: Steelers DB Bryant McFadden (forearm), LB Keyaron Fox (hamstring) and DB Ryan Clark (shoulder) have been ruled out for Week 9 at Washington.
Analysis: McFadden had some Fantasy value earlier in the season when he was replacing Deshea Townsend, but now has little to no value when healthy. Keep both him, Fox and Clark off Fantasy rosters.
News: Steelers safety Ryan Clark dislocated his shoulder in Week 8 against the Giants and had to leave the game. He could be seen on the sideline with a sling.
Analysis: Clark is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy DB when healthy. Keep him on the waiver wire as he is likely to miss some time with the injury.
News: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports Steelers DB Ryan Clark has looked good this offseason. Clark has looked good during OTAs but what will be more telling is how he handles the rigors of training camp. That is the ultimate test of conditioning and endurance, and camp will almost surely reveal where Clark is physically and how much he can help the Steelers this season. Free safety is the one area on defense where the Steelers have uncertainty and not just because of Clark. For as much promise as Anthony Smith showed at times he regressed badly at the end of last season, and Mike Tomlin has said himself that the third-year professional is at a crossroads at this stage of his career. Nothing would be better for the Steelers than for both Clark and Smith to rebound and give the team two quality players at free safety no matter who wins the starting job in training camp.
Analysis: Clark would push Smith for the starting job. Neither has much Fantasy value at this point, but keep an eye on what happens during training camp.
News: Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Ryan Clark's spleen was removed during surgery Thursday, a day after he was placed on injured reserve. Clark cannot play again this season, but is expected to resume his football career next year if he has no further complications. Clark had problems with his spleen while he was with the Washington Redskins, but they did not prevent him from playing a full season with Pittsburgh in 2006.
Analysis: The problem recurred during the Steelers' Oct. 21 game against the Broncos, aggravated by Denver's altitude, according to the team. The 28-year-old Clark was forced to stay an extra night in Denver when his spleen became inflamed, and he did not play in the Steelers' last three games. Clark joined the Steelers as a free agent in 2006, following Chris Hope's signing with the Tennessee Titans. Now that Clark is out for the season, he can be let go in Fantasy leagues.
News: Free safety Ryan Clark (spleen) and tight end Jerame Tuman (back) were both placed on the Steelers' Injured Reserve, ending their seasons.
Analysis: Neither Clark nor Tuman should be considered valuable Fantasy options now that they won't play again this season.
News: The Steelers inactives for Week 10 against Cleveland include QB Brian St. Pierre (3rd QB), WR Willie Reid, DB Ryan Clark, RB Gary Russell, RB Dan Krieder and TE Jerame Tuman.
Analysis: None of these players have any Fantasy value and should be kept reserved for Week 10 against the Browns.
News: Steelers DB Ryan Clark (spleen) is out for Week 10 vs. Cleveland. It will be the third straight game he is sidelined. He has 22 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble in six games.
Analysis: Clark is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy DB when healthy. Keep him reserved Week 10 and his status is on a week-to-week basis.
News: The Steelers' list of inactives for Week 9 against the Ravens includes QB Brian St. Pierre, WR Willie Reid, DB Ryan Clark, RB Gary Russell, TE Jerame Tuman and DL Aaron Smith.
Analysis: None of these players play enough of a statistical role to have value in Fantasy. Keep all on waivers for Week 10 against the Browns.
News: Steelers DB Ryan Clark (spleen) is out for Week 9 vs. Baltimore. It will be the second straight game he is sidelined. He has 22 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble in six games.
Analysis: Clark is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy DB when healthy. Keep him reserved Week 9 and his status is on a week-to-week basis.
News: The Steelers inactives for Week 8 against the Bengals include DL Aaron Smith, WR Willie Reid, DB Bryant McFadden, DB Ryan Clark, RB Gary Russell and QB Brian St. Pierre (3rd QB).
Analysis: Keep all of these players reserved in Week 8 against the Bengals. They have minimal Fantasy value to begin with.
News: Steelers safety Ryan Clark did not return with the team from Denver late Sunday night because of a spleen inflammation that occurred during the 31-28 loss to the Broncos. Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Clark was not injured during the game, but had a pre-existing blood condition aggravated by dehydration and Denver's high altitude. Clark is expected to play Sunday in Cincinnati, though he must first pass a series of medical tests later this week.
Analysis: With only 22 tackles and one sack this season, Clark has minimal value in Fantasy IDP leagues. This spleen issue doesn't sound like it'll keep him out Week 8 at Cincinnati.
News: The Steelers allowed 221 yards of total offense and only seven points in Week 1 at Cleveland. LB James Harrison, DB Ike Taylor, DB Ryan Clark, LB James Farrior, LB Clark Haggans and DL Aaron Smith all had a sack. Taylor and DB Deshea Townsend added an interception each. DB William Gay, DB Bryant McFadden, and Smith had a fumble recovery as the Steelers totaled six sacks and five turnovers against the Browns.
Analysis: The Steelers looked good, even if it was against a sub-par offense in Cleveland. They'll look to keep the momentum going in Week 2 vs. Buffalo and remain a must-start defensive unit in all formats.
News: Steelers DB Ryan Clark had 72 tackles (48 solo) in 2006 with one interception and three fumble recoveries. He played in 13 games with 12 starts. Clark missed the final three games with a groin injury.
Analysis: Consider Clark a No. 3 DB in IDP leagues heading into 2007. With the Steelers changing defensive schemes from a 3-4 to a 4-3, Clark could have more chances at interceptions.
News: The Steelers inactives for Week 17 against the Bengals are QB Brian St. Pierre, DB Ryan Clarke, LB Clark Haggans and TE Jerame Tuman.
Analysis: Keep all these players reserved.
News: Steelers DB Ryan Clark (groin) is out, LB Clark Haggans (knee) is doubtful, LB James Harrison (shoulder) is questionable, while DB Troy Polamlu (knee), DB Andre Lott (ankle), DB Deshea Townsend (hand) and LB Clint Kriewaldt (neck) are listed as probable for Week 17 at Cincinnati.
Analysis: Usually Haggans would be a recommended Fantasy start, but since he is doubtful consider using another Fantasy option for Week 17. Polamalu and Townsend are also viable Fantasy options for Week 17. Ignore the other injured players.
News: The Steelers inactives for Week 16 against Baltimore are DB Ryan Clark, DB Andre Lott, LB Clint Kriewaldt, WR Lee Mays and QB Brian St. Pierre.
Analysis: Keep all these players reserved for Week 16.
News: Steelers DB Ryan Clark (groin) has been downgraded from doubtful to out for Week 16 vs. Baltimore.
Analysis: Clark should be kept reserved in all Fantasy leagues for Week 16.
News: Steelers DB Ryan Clark (groin) is doubtful, DB Mike Logan (hamstring), DB Andre Lott (ankle) are questionable, while DB Tyrone Carter (concussion), LB Clint Kriewaldt (neck) and DB Bryant McFadden (shoulder) are probable for Week 16 vs. Baltimore.
Analysis: None of these players are recommended Fantasy options for Week 16.
News: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Steelers WR Cedric Wilson (high ankle sprain), SS Troy Polamalu (knee) and safety Mike Logan (hamstring) are doubtful for Week 15 at Carolina. Free safety Ryan Clark (groin) and WR Hines Ward (knee) are questionable.
Analysis: Ward seems like a go, but not Polamalu. As for the others, they do not put up enough stats to warrant use in 2006 Fantasy play. Keep them off rosters.
News: Notable Steelers inactive for Week 14 at Cleveland include: DB Ryan Clark, DB Troy Polamalu, WR Cedrick Wilson, WR Hines Ward and 3rd QB Brian St. Pierre.
Analysis: Keep these players reserved for Fantasy purposes in Week 14.
News: On Tuesday, the Steelers announced that the following players would be OUT for Week 14 vs. Cleveland: WR Hines Ward (knee), WR Cedrick Wilson (ankle), SS Troy Polamalu (knee); FS Ryan Clark (groin).
Analysis: The Steelers will likely start Nate Washington and Santonio Holmes at receiver in place of Ward and Wilson. Defensively, the Steelers' safeties will be missed, though the Browns aren't exactly a successful passing franchise. Sit all four hurt players for Week 14.
News: The Pittsburgh Steelers may be without injured DB Troy Polamalu for Thursday night's AFC North game against Cleveland. Polamalu sat out the Steelers' 20-3 victory over Tampa Bay on Sunday, when safety Ryan Clark (groin) also was hurt. Polamalu injured his knee the week before against Baltimore. With a short week of preparation and recovery time before the Cleveland game, coach Bill Cowher wasn't optimistic that the injured players will be ready by Thursday. Polamalu had a sprained knee, and the team has not said when it expects the All-Pro safety to return. If Polamalu and Clark can't play, Tyrone Carter and rookie Anthony Smith would start at safety. Because of the injuries, the Steelers made a number of roster moves Monday. They re-signed cornerback Chidi Iwuoma, who was cut earlier this season.
Analysis: Keep Polamalu reserved unless given clearance to play. Clark, Smith, Carter and Iwuoma have minimal Fantasy value at this point.
News: Steelers DB Ryan Clark injured his groin during Pittsburgh's 20-3 win over Tampa Bay. Clark had nine total tackles in the game.
Analysis: Keep an eye on Clark's status before using him in Week 14 against Cleveland.
News: Notable Steelers defenders from Week 12 include: CB Bryant McFadden (nine solo tackles), LB Larry Foote (eight solo tackles), SS Troy Polamalu (10 total tackles), FS Ryan Clark (nine total tackles) and LB Joey Porter (eight total tackles).
Analysis: Of these players, Polamalu, Porter and Foote are must-starts vs. Tampa Bay in Week 13. McFadden is a good sleeper if he keeps the starting job over Ike Taylor for the Steelers as well.
News: Notable Steelers defenders from Week 7 include: LB James Farrior (eight tackles, interception), FS Ryan Clark (eight total tackles), SS Troy Polamalu (seven total tackles, interception) and DB Tyrone Carter (one tackle, sack).
Analysis: Polamalu and Farrior are worth owning in all IDP leagues, with Polamalu a weekly must-start. The other defenders aren't worth using on a regular basis.
News: Coach Bill Cowher designated Ryan Clark as the starting free safety ahead of Tyrone Carter and rookie Anthony Smith. Clark, formerly with the Redskins, was the Steelers' only major offseason pickup. He signed as a free agent after Chris Hope left to play for Tennessee.
Analysis: Clark likely begins the season as a low-end Fantasy IDP. The Steelers' solid defense could make him a decent scorer, though. Don't consider Carter or Smith in IDP leagues at this point.
News: DB Ryan Clark signed a $7.1 million, four-year contract with the Steelers that includes a $1.65 million signing bonus.
Analysis: Clark won't have any Fantasy value with the Steelers.
