Earlier this week, Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman discussed the possibility of having to sit out this week’s game at the Denver Broncos because of sickle cell trait.
That’s apparently not a concern anymore. Coleman said on Wednesday he’ll play at Denver. He said he would stay hydrated and communicate with doctors, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. James Palmer of NFL Network reported Falcons coach Dan Quinn said Coleman would play in full.
The Falcons and Coleman must be comfortable there is no risk involved. Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark, who has sickle cell trait, got seriously ill after a game in 2007 against Denver. He lost his gall bladder and spleen, and didn’t play in any further games at Denver. Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder that can be exacerbated in situations with low oxygen like Denver and its high altitude.
Clark told the Washington Post that his situation was rare.
“I’m the 1 percent exception,” Clark told the Washington Post. “I’m the exception. I’m not the rule. You can have the sickle cell trait and play at altitude, play in Denver, without having that happen to you. So they each have to make their own decision based on their circumstances.”
Coleman is a big part of a 3-1 Falcons team. He and Devonta Freeman form a fantastic running back duo in an offense that is clicking right now. It’s good to hear that the Falcons don’t think there’s any concern about him playing in Denver.
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