Pittsburgh Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall likely to play vs Denver Broncos – NFL News
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall has returned to full practice without any protection, boosting hopes of his participation in the season opener against the Denver Broncos this Sunday.
Rashard, who has been nursing a surgically repaired knee, did detailed workout on Wednesday and most importantly without any measures to protect his knee. He and the team are apparently encouraged from the session and can expect him to join the squad for
the weekend game.
It is rather a positive outcome for the player after his recent removal from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Although none of Steelers coaches and other officials has confirmed if Mendenhall is going to be taken along to Denver for the upcoming game, there is no reason for him to be left out provided he remains comfortable in training for the rest of the week.
Mendenhall himself has not said anything on how he feels after the workout and absence of any complaint from him in the day-long hectic activity on the field is taken as a proof of him being hundred percent.
Some commentators are nevertheless cautious to give a final word on his participation chances, saying working without protection itself is not a sufficient mean to confirm his availability in the squad straightaway as far as the fitness level is concerned.
They note it was a real test for the player to show he can sustain a longer workout activity without protection and after his survival on the field it is to be seen now how his knee responds to it. Sometimes swelling, soreness or pain returns during initial
couple of days of full training, they said, while hoping the situation progresses well for him.
The RB’s return will certainly boost Steelers offence, which having receivers Antonio Brown, Mike Wallace and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is raring to go in action against the Broncos.
One notable change in Denver this year is arrival of former Indianapolis Colts star performer QB Peyton Manning, who has replaced Broncos’ another top performer QB Tim Tebow. Tebow is going to represent the New York Jets for the first time this season.
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