Running back Rashard Mendenhall has undergone surgery on his torn ACL in his right knee according to Ed Bouchette of the Post-Gazette.
Mendenhall was hurt during the regular season finale in Cleveland when he went down in a heap on a five-yard run to the right. Issac Redmen filled in and did an excellent job in the Cleveland game despite a pair of fumbles, and then in the Denver playoff game he went over 100 yards in the OT loss.
Scott Brown of the Tribune-Review reports that Mendenhall may not be offered a contract extension by the Steelers, as he will be entering the 4th year of a five-year deal that he inked back in 2008 as a rookie worth $12.5 million.
This past season Mendenhall ran for 928 yards and 9 touchdowns.
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DrGeorge
January 19, 2012 at 10:15 am
‘May not’ be offered a contract extension? Who would even propose such a silly thing for an RB with average speed and power in the 4th year of a 5 year contract following a serious knee injury? Remember Fast Willie Parker’s ineffectiveness following his knee injury? Finding another unsigned free agent like Redman would be a lot cheaper and more productive. In 2012, Mendy should be overjoyed simply to have a job.
With Redman, Clay, and Dwyer as workhorses, what the Steelers really need in a fourth RB is speed. Breakaway speed. Mendy doesn’t have that.
So Mendy is my recommendation for a painless way to start reducing that $24 million overage in our salary cap. Release Mendy and move on. No one will know the difference.
Steel Q
January 19, 2012 at 5:32 pm
You’re a smart guy DrGeorge but a lot of times I find myself in disagreement with you but in this case you are Right On the money and your post was well said.
George H
January 19, 2012 at 10:57 pm
Moore will be gone for sure, we also have that rb Batch who is supposed to be a younger version of Moore. He was very impressive in camp however Im not certain about his speed.
I wouldnt mind seeing the Steelers go after LeMichael James in the 3rd or 4th round if he is available. He gives you that break away speed and the great ability to catch out of the backfield. Usually I say dont go after a rb in the first three rounds, but I would be willing to make the exception, becauase afterall, the draft is there to find playmakers and thats just what we need.
I agree with you Doc that Mendy in’t much needed, however, he is a better fit in our current offensive style we run. He can make more splash plays than Redman and sometimes can catch out of the backfield.
DrGeorge
January 21, 2012 at 7:53 pm
Steel Q, I appreciate your kind words. And I welcome your thoughts, whether they agree with mine or not. I make no claim to infallibility, and I try to keep an open mind. If you can support your points of disagreement with cogent logic, chances are you will persuade me to your way of thinking. As long as the dialogue is civil and thoughtful, I’m all in favor of lively debate. In that regard, see the comments of George H., who often makes excellent points here and is unfailingly courteous, even when he takes the opposing view. This is an open forum for all Steelers fans, and the respectful exchange of ideas benefits us all.
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Ben Dover
January 20, 2012 at 2:16 pm
Bounce Mendenhall out of town, go back to a power running game.
By the way, both pittsburghsteelers.com and NFL.com are reporting that Bruce Arians has retired. That’s the best news I’ve heard in a long time!
George H
January 20, 2012 at 3:51 pm
fantastic
Mike
January 22, 2012 at 10:43 am
It makes total sense to not offer Mendenhall a contract extension at this point with his knee injury and all. We still have him locked up for two more seasons. We have time to determine if there are any ill affects from the injury and see where his recovery is going. Besides, I think if you put him behind a line built to run block and a commitment to run the ball with prior OCs, you have a 1600 yard back with double digit TDs. He was well on his way this year to going over 1000 yards and having double digit TDs with this offense. He was a first round pick because he has the skill set to be an impact RB. Finding a diamond in the rough is rare. Jury is still out on Dwyer and Clay. What body of work is there to go on the assumption that we can move forward without Mendenhall? Don’t get me wrong. I really like Redman and was very happy with his signature game in the playoffs. But, I think to recommend dumping Mendenhall at this point is premature.