Broncos veteran safety Brian Dawkins has been ruled out of Sunday’s Wild Card playoff matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a neck injury.

The 16-year player — who’s been to the playoffs on eight separate occasions — has sat out two of the previous three games and once again the team captain will be leading the team from the sideline.

“It’s kind of hard to put into words (how frustrated Dawkins is) because I know how much this game means to him,” cornerback Andre’ Goodman said. “I know how well he prepares week-in and week-out to get his body ready to play football games. He’s the guy who’s willing to put himself through anything to put himself out there. So I know how frustrated he is and we’re all frustrated for him.”