Former Steelers safety Ryan Clark had to sit out a couple of games in Denver during his career due to the impact that playing in thin air had on his health.
Clark carries the sickle cell trait, a genetic abnormality affecting red blood cells, and had to have his spleen and gall bladder removed after an adverse reaction to playing in Denver during the 2007 season. Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins also carries the sickle cell trait, but he won’t sit out when the Bengals face the Broncos on Monday night.
Atkins has played one game in Denver during his career and suffered no health issues after playing 29 snaps during a 2011 Bengals loss. He said he felt fatigued during the game, but thought it was manageable and coach Marvin Lewis feels the same way.
“Basically the way he rotates anyway it’s not that big of a deal particularly at that position,” Lewis said, via the Cincinnati Enquirer. “He’s aware, we’re aware.”
Atkins has been a major force up front for the Bengals this season and their chances of winning on Monday look a lot better with him in the lineup.