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NFL > Pittsburgh Steelers > Has Rashard Mendenhall Played His Last Game As A Steeler?

Marshall, MI

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March 20, 2012, 09:42 AM

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The Steelers do not expect running back Rashard Mendenhall to be fully recovered until the 2013 NFL season as he continues to mend following a torn anterior cruciate ligament, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Monday, citing sources.

The 2012 season will be the final year of his contract, and it is reportedly possible Mendenhall has had his last carry with the team.

The sources said that if Mendenhall does return next season, the Steelers do not expect him to perform at the level he was at before he succumbed to the injury, while playing against the Browns in their last game of the 2011 regular season.

Despite the concern, the team is still unlikely to re-sign free agent Mewelde Moore, according to the report. That would likely leave the team with Isaac Redman as its starter. Redman, a fourth-year player, has started only one NFL game and has 726 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 163 career carries.

Mendenhall finished with 928 rushing yards and nine touchdowns last season.

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March 20, 2012 10:22 AM ET

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If Mendenhall sits out all of 2012, wonder what kind of contract he'll look to get in 2013???

Formerly from Ewa…

Sand Patch, PA

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March 20, 2012 10:19 PM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 10:22 AM ET 03.20 by Formerly from Ewa PGH Fan

If Mendenhall sits out all of 2012, wonder what kind of contract he'll look to get in 2013???

Probably a one yr deal with incentives to show he's healthy and productive again.

THE BISHOP!

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March 20, 2012 10:31 PM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 10:19 PM ET 03.20 by THE BISHOP!

Probably a one yr deal with incentives to show he's healthy and productive again.

If he's lucky.

Old No. 4

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March 21, 2012 07:14 AM ET

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There are 4 running backs on the team, not including RM. For him to run again, it will depend on what happens in the draft.

Draft - do a linebacker 1st, then an OL. Essex played well at center..a good backup and lets the others move around till they find their niche. Get a new coach.

Portage, PA

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March 21, 2012 07:52 AM ET

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QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 10:31 PM ET 03.20 by Old No. 4

If he's lucky.

If his doctors are good and his rehab goes well that one year incentive laden contract is probably his only ticket back.

TxHeat

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March 21, 2012 08:26 AM ET

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Mendenhall never lived up to his potential in Pittsburgh....wasn't the same RB he was at Illinois. He'll probably get another shot in 2013, but not with the Steelers......

IRONMAN

Marshall, MI

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March 21, 2012 03:36 PM ET

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QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 07:14 AM ET 03.21 by DU

There are 4 running backs on the team, not including RM. For him to run again, it will depend on what happens in the draft.Draft - do a linebacker 1st, then an OL. Essex played well at center..a good backup and lets the others move around till they find their niche. Get a new coach.

We've got plenty of RBs

My suggestion would be to FIX that O-Line!!!!

Mr. Shaman II

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March 21, 2012 03:50 PM ET

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Mr. Shaman II

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March 23, 2012 06:58 PM ET

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I'll take Isaac Redman over Mendenhall any day ... to be honest, I was waiting for something like this to happen. It's unfortunate that Mendenhall is injured, but I was hoping that Redman would get the chance to be a full time starter someday. I can't believe a guy with as much talent as Redman is sitting on the bench

iwantfootball

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March 23, 2012 07:17 PM ET

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QUOTE(#9):

Originally posted 06:58 PM ET 03.23 by iwantfootball

I'll take Isaac Redman over Mendenhall any day ... to be honest, I was waiting for something like this to happen. It's unfortunate that Mendenhall is injured, but I was hoping that Redman would get the chance to be a full time starter someday. I can't believe a guy with as much talent as Redman is sitting on the bench

You and Mr. Shaman seem to agree on Redman.

Guns N Guitars

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March 27, 2012 08:16 AM ET

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QUOTE(#9):

Originally posted 06:58 PM ET 03.23 by iwantfootball

I'll take Isaac Redman over Mendenhall any day ... to be honest, I was waiting for something like this to happen. It's unfortunate that Mendenhall is injured, but I was hoping that Redman would get the chance to be a full time starter someday. I can't believe a guy with as much talent as Redman is sitting on the bench

Agreed. Ever since his '08 shoulder-injury, he always seemed much-more tentative (in my eyes....just from watching him), when it came to plowing-forward. When Bettis did so....especially during the 2nd-Half of a game....he had an ability to "break" the opposing-team's "will"/"spirit". They knew he was coming straight-at-them, while they (also) knew there was very-little they could do, to stop him. That's worth something!

Watch Isaac Redman run. He runs, too-much, like Bettis, to ignore him. What he deserves is a full-year as a starter....and, we'll see what happens. I'm really anxious to see what Baron Batch does, in the pre-season, as well.

Management's opinion (now) is that Mendenhall's knee will more-than-likely require a year "off".

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_788343.ht ml

Mr. Shaman II

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March 27, 2012 08:22 AM ET

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QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 08:16 AM ET 03.27 by Mr. Shaman II

Agreed. Ever since his '08 shoulder-injury, he always seemed much-more tentative (in my eyes....just from watching him), when it came to plowing-forward. When Bettis did so....especially during the 2nd-Half of a game....he had an ability to "break" the opposing-team's "will"/"spirit". They knew he was coming straight-at-them, while they (also) knew there was very-little they could do, to stop him.

Management's opinion (now) is that Mendenhall's knee will more-than-likely require a year "off"

Just read some comments outta Pittsburgh that they now think Mendenhall will play some in 2012....but dont anticipate him being "100%".......