Steelers' Antonio Brown will play, won't discuss if he has sickle-cell trait

Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Antonio Brown shot down speculation he will not play in Sunday’s game in Denver because of the sickle-cell trait.

“I don’t know about all that,” Brown said after practice Friday. “I’m excited to play in that environment. Looking forward to it.”

Former Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes in August told 93.7 FM that Brown has the sickle-cell trait , a genetic abnormality which can affect red blood cells. Among other risk factors that potentially can put carriers at risk is performing strenuous activity at high altitudes.

Former Steelers safety Ryan Clark developed significant pain in his left side during a game in October 2007 in Denver. He ultimately had to have his spleen and gall bladder removed and missed the remainder of that season.

Clark sat out games in Denver the rest of his career.

Brown would not say if he has the trait or not. He twice played in Denver, games eight months apart in 2012, and had no known complications or adverse effects either time.

Asked about Holmes’ assertion Brown has the trait, Brown said, “What, he’s a doctor?”

Coach Mike Tomlin would not say if any of the Steelers have the sickle-cell trait.

“I’m not getting into that,” he said Tuesday during his weekly news conference. “That’s private medical information. Just know that if we do, we’ll do what’s appropriate, but I’m not disclosing people’s private medical information. If they choose to address it with you guys publicly, then obviously I’ll talk about it, but I’m not getting into that.”

No other players are known to carry the trait, and no starters missed practice unexpectedly this week that might suggest they are sitting out Sunday’s game.

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Chris Adamski is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Chris at cadamski@tribweb.com or via Twitter @C_AdamskiTrib.