Pittsburgh Steelers Rashard Mendenhall Could Start 2012 On PUP List

When meeting with reporters in Pittsburgh on Monday, Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert gave an indication that the Steelers are not counting on having star running back Rashard Mendenhall for the entire 2012 season.

Colbert stated that Mendenhall could begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list to start the season, after tearing his ACL in the team’s final regular season game on January 1st against Cleveland. Being put on the PUP list would cause Mendenhall to miss the first six games the Steelers play in the regular season. Colbert summed up his feelings on the situation with the following statement:

"“I never feel good about an ACL for a year”"

In the past, running backs who have had ACL problems have never been the same and never quite gotten back to former production levels and it definitely shortens careers. You look at examples like Deuce McAllister who came back and played reasonably well after a year or two but was never as dynamic as he had been; Edgerrin James who did manage a 1,400 yard season after his ACL but retired young; Ronnie Brown who was one of the most exciting players in the NFL running the wildcat and is now doing nothing; Terrell Davis whose career was practically ended by a torn ACL in 1999 — although his demise can be attributed largely due to overuse.

Expect the Steelers to be very cautious with Mendenhall. Backups Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer may be their only options as Pittsburgh are currently over the salary cap and will struggle to sign any significant free agens. Drafting a running back could also be a possibility — perhaps someone like Chris Polk, Bernard Pierce or Doug Martin.

In any case, one thing is certain – the Pittsburgh Steelers will be doing whatever needs to be done to prepare for the potential absence of their top running back.

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