ENGLEWOOD, COLO. (AP) -- Brian Dawkins' biggest contribution in the playoffs will be with his talking and not his tackling.
Hampered by a neck injury, the Denver Broncos' emotional leader hasn't practiced in weeks and was ruled out Friday for the first-round game against the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend.
Still, Dawkins will be heard, even if it's standing on the sideline instead of calling plays in the huddle.
His voice has already energized the Broncos after Dawkins delivered a rare speech following a 7-3 loss to Kansas City. He emphatically urged his teammates to forget about backing into the AFC West crown and focus on the Steelers.
Pittsburgh is without one of its top safeties as well. Ryan Clark is sitting out as a precaution because of a blood disorder that's exacerbated by altitude.
(Copyright ©2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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