Pittsburgh Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall doubtful for season opener despite PUP clearance – NFL News
The Pittsburgh Steelers have recently removed running back Rashard Mendenhall from physically unable to perform (PUP) list, much to the surprise of the entire National Football League (NFL), but the player’s return to action may be delayed as he is likely
to be out of the season opener next month.
An ESPN report has cited anonymous sources disclosing that the player is not expected to be ready in time for the regular season opening game on September 09.
The decision of the player’s removal is rather a strategic one due to an expected change in players' trade rules of the league, having a direct effect on the players who are on the injured reserve/PUP list.
In case Rashard was left on the PUP list, he could have been out for at least six weeks of the regular season. His removal from the list means he is not going to be affected by the rules, which as per another report are yet to be agreed between the NFL and
other stakeholders.
Rashard is not the only player removed from the list; the team has also taken tackle Casey Hampton off the list, meaning both players are available for the season straightaway, irrespective of the fact that they still have to prove their fitness.
The RB’s decision had particularly surprised everyone in the league because the next day to his return to the field for the first time without taking part in any real training activity he was declared available.
Also, the general manager Kevin Colbert has only a few days ago insisted that he wanted to leave Rashard on the PUP list at present.
While responding to a question about return prospects of linebacker James Harrison, who is also on PUP list with a knee injury, the GM said they reviewed the list on a weekly basis and decision about all players including Mendenhall would be taken in accordance
with the latest status of their recovery and fitness.
Steelers have since then not offered any comment about sudden removal of Mendenhall when he is far from reporting his recovery.
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