Pittsburgh Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall returns from ACL to play debut game – NFL News
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall is expected to play his debutant game of this season after recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) that he had suffered in the wildcard game versus the Denver Broncos earlier this year.
The Steelers will face the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend and they are confident Rashard will play. The player has recently returned to full practice and remains upbeat about his fitness level.
He said:
“I've been patient and just kind of increasing what I'm able do. The next step would be a game, and I'm confident in doing that."
The team expects to receive boost in rushing from return of the running back on the line. Coach Mike Tomlin had given an indication for comeback of the player just before the start of the season, taking him off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list
but that decision was more of a strategic move to avoid longer absence of the player in the season.
Leaving Mendenhall on the PUP list could have resulted in his absence for a longer period, and although the player is yet to return to action more than a month to his PUP removal, he certainly stands avoiding ousting for the entire season.
With Mendenhall back into his rushing role, the team expects an ending to their long wait to see the player’s return happening.
Mendenhall is upbeat about his fitness and form, and appears to be in perfect shape and frame of mind. He looked hundred percent during the team practice on Wednesday and immediately after finishing the training disclosed he would re-join the squad for his
first game of the season.
In absence of Mendenhall, the Steelers have suffered extensively in the performance. They have so far managed only a win in the American Football Conference (AFC) North division, trailing behind the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens.
This week the team has some good news on the fronts of linebacker James Harrison and safety Troy Polamalu as both are expected to play. James returns from a minor knee procedure to play his first game of the season, while Troy returns after hurting his calf
in the season opener.
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