09/11/2009 – Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall carried the ball four times for six yards during a Week 1 win against the Titans. His longest gain went for three yards.
The Steelers are expecting a lot more from Mendenhall in 2009 after his rookie season was cut short in 2008 due to injury. The first week is not indicative of the Steelers’ plans since they couldn’t get the ground game going with Willie Parker or Mewelde Moore either. Mendenhall is going to get some touches every week, but as long as Parker is healthy, they will be limited. Mendenhall remains more of a low-end Fantasy RB and handcuff option for Parker owners. The Steelers play the Bears in Week 2.
09/08/2009 – Steelers RB Willie Parker may get his wish of being the short-yardage back this year. When asked who would be the goal-line back, offensive coordoinator Bruce Arians said Tuesday, “I think we’ll go with the guy that’s in the ball game unless he’s dead tired. Willie’s the man.” That means Rashard Mendenhall might not get as many carries heading into this year as previously expected.
Mendenhall will still get his share of carries this season, including in Week 1 vs. the Titans, but Parker remains the featured back in Pittsburgh. Consider Mendenhall a low-end Fantasy option against Tennessee and see how his role plays out going forward this year.