Pittsburgh Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall in fresh hopes of return, likely vs Oakland Raiders – NFL News
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall has returned to practice without any protection around the surgically repaired knee, raising hopes of his comeback for the weekend’s game versus Oakland Raiders.
Independent reports have confirmed that Rashard was put through some hectic workout drill by the teammates as required by coach Mike Tomlin this Wednesday, and after having successfully survived the session the team is hopeful about him participating in
this Sunday’s game.
The RB said after the training:
"It was cool. I was all good."
He added:
"I put a sleeve on for a day and didn't like it. I feel better without anything on it."
The player’s fitness is also endorsed by the players who worked with him. Offensive guard Willie Colon said:
“He looked fast. Everything I saw was a good sign."
So with this much said about his fitness and form, it appears that the running back should be available for the Raiders’ game, and now the only delay is the official confirmation of his availability by the team.
Unconfirmed reports have cited coach speaking high of Rashard’s latest fitness level, but the official has refrained from giving any hint if the running back will be taken back in the squad before the weekend.
If his return happens, it will be exactly after nine months since the player had anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery after hurting his right knee in the past regular season. He has not played any game or practised since then, until this Wednesday when
he took part in the first full workout session.
His comeback will be good news for the team as it is expected to take some pressure off quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Since return of receiver Mike Wallace, the Steelers’ offensive line has improved considerably but the team lacks required strength in
rushing, which will certainly get boost on Rashard’s return.
Coach Tomlin said:
"We have got a desire to have balance, to be able to attack people in ways that we desire. Over time we better be continually moving toward that. Obviously there's been somewhat of an imbalance to this point, but that's just eight quarters of football."
Now all seems set for the RB’s return and it is only for the team to make it official.
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