PITTSBURGH — 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 talking 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.

During a time he often chats with reporters, Clark sat alone in front of his locker, scanning messages on his cell phone before practice yesterday.

Even if Clark pleaded with them to play, the Steelers appear reluctant to take a chance considering how seriously ill he became after that 2007 game, which Denver won 31-28.

Clark was hospitalized in Denver when complications from sickle-cell trait prevented oxygen from flowing into his spleen. He later needed operations to remove his spleen and gall bladder, and the 205-pound Clark lost more than 30 pounds before he finally began feeling better more than two months later.

He missed the second half of that season, but recovered and resumed his career last season, when the Steelers won the Super Bowl.

While other players with sickle-cell trait can play in Denver without problems, Clark's condition was worsened because he is among the estimated 1 percent of those affected by the condition who react poorly to exerting themselves in high altitude.

Because of that, the Steelers — as would any NFL team — must weigh the potential legal matters that might arise should a player become seriously ill after being permitted to play under such risky circumstances.

The Steelers (5-2) haven't made any announcement about Clark's status, and they may be waiting so the Broncos (6-1) go through their practice week preparing as if Clark will play.

RAIDERS

COACH CABLE UNDER FIRE

The National Organization for Women called on the Oakland Raiders to suspend coach Tom Cable while the team investigates allegations he has a history of violent behavior toward women.

NOW president Terry O'Neill praised the Raiders in a statement for undertaking a "serious evaluation" of charges made by Cable's first wife, Sandy Cable, and former girlfriend, Marie Lutz, that the coach physically abused them at various times during their relationships.

But O'Neill said that Cable should be suspended while that investigation proceeds. The Raiders had no comment.

"This is the National Football League. Boys and girls around the country, as well as many women, look to the leaders of the NFL as our role models," O'Neill said in a phone interview. "Why would the NFL tolerate having a man who admits to having battered his wife?"

ELSEWHERE

Colts: A person with knowledge of the injury says Indianapolis cornerback Marlin Jackson will miss the rest of the season after tearing the ACL in his left knee yesterday in practice. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Colts had not announced the injury.

Redskins: Washington will use its fourth punter this season when it plays the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Hunter Smith's right groin injury is acting up again, so the Redskins plan to sign former Dallas punter Sam Paulescu today. The Redskins have also used placekicker Shaun Suisham and Glenn Pakulak.

Seahawks: Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck practiced with the first team yesterday, a day after sitting out to give his broken ribs a rest. Hasselbeck said after practice that he feels similar to how he felt at this point a week ago. The Seahawks host Detroit on Sunday.

In the courts: A jury in Jacksonville, Fla., has convicted a man of attempted murder in the shooting of former Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman Richard Collier. The six-person jury deliberated 2 hours and 45 minutes before returning its verdict against 33-year-old Tyrone Hartsfield at the end of a nine-day trial. Hartsfield faces up to life in prison. Collier is paralyzed after being shot six times as he waited in his car outside a Jacksonville apartment house last year.