Rashard Mendenhall Could Sit Out 2012 Season

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall might not play in 2012 as he continues to nurse the anterior cruciate ligament he tore in Jan. 1 during the regular-season finale at Cleveland.

Speaking of his players chance of a return team GM Kevin Colbert said:

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

Mendenhall’s backup running back Isaac Redman ran for 121 yards during the teams playoff loss at Denver and speaking of a potential to bring in another RB for the season Colbert said:

“No more than we are for any other position,” adding, “Our young backup contributors did a nice job.”

He also praised Mendenhall who he says “established himself as an NFL running back.”

The other Steelers backups include Jonathan Dwyer, John Clayand Baron Batch.

In other Steelers news Colbert says the team hasn’t parted ways with wide receiver Hines Ward as was first reported by the NFL Network reported on Saturday. While Hines Ward is scheduled to earn $4 million each season over the next two years he has shown a willingness to take a paycut to remain with Pittsburgh.

Do you think Rashard Mendenhall will make a return anytime during the 2012 season or will the teams running back duties fall more squarely on the legs of Redman?