RB Mendenhall ready to return for Steelers

By CHRIS ADAMSKI (Associated Press) | The Associated Press

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Insisting he feels well with no setbacks after a full week of practice, running back Rashard Mendenhall is set to return for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Because of an Achilles injury, Mendenhall has missed all four games of a winning streak that the Steelers (6-3) carry into their Sunday showdown with the Baltimore Ravens (7-2).

Mendenhall had not been through a full practice in more than a month, but made it through complete workouts Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. He is officially listed as probable.

''He looks like he's back to his old form,'' running back Isaac Redman said. ''He's making all the cuts, it looks like he has his burst. So he looks good.''

With former 1,200-yard rusher Mendenhall back, the Steelers have to decide how to split carries between he, Redman and Jonathan Dwyer. Redman and Dwyer each had 100-yard rushing games while Mendenhall was out.

''All three of us are going to play,'' Redman said. ''And we're just going to keep it rolling throughout the game and try to keep a fresh running back in there at all times. We're going to try to pound them.''

With Mendenhall unavailable to play the first three games of the season because of his recovery from a torn ACL sustained Jan. 1, the Steelers running game struggled. Pittsburgh averaged 65 rushing yards per game in starting 1-2.

Since Mendenhall returned with a 68-yard performance in a win over Philadelphia Oct. 7 - to that point, the most yards by a Pittsburgh back this season - the Steelers have improved their NFL ranking in rushing yards from 31st to 20th.

To finish reading this article, click here

Eagles-Steelers Preview

By BRETT HUSTON (STATS Editor) | The Associated Press

As fortunate as they may have seemed at the time, it's hard to argue with the Philadelphia Eagles' results so far.

The Pittsburgh Steelers would be happy to settle for winning ugly.

The Steelers should get Troy Polamalu, James Harrison and Rashard Mendenhall back as they look to avoid falling in a 1-3 hole Sunday against the visiting Eagles.

Philadelphia (3-1) has been outscored by 17 points through four games, but it has a pair of one-point wins and a two-point victory to thank for its winning record. It's trailed at the two-minute warning of the fourth quarter in all three wins.

The Steelers, meanwhile, have blown fourth-quarter leads in both of their defeats, watching a 10-point cushion disappear in a 34-31 overtime loss in Oakland on Sept. 23 before a bye week.

"There's no panic in here," quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. "It's still a marathon, but we need to get a win."

They'll have some help Sunday as they try to avoid falling to 1-3 for the first time since 2006 - their last non-winning season. Polamalu, who's missed the last two games with a strained calf, and Harrison, who's yet to play due to a lingering left knee problem, are expected to return to a defense that's produced five sacks and allowed opponents to convert 48.5 percent of third downs - both among the league's four worst.

Having two former Defensive Players of the Year back should help, but to safety Ryan Clark, their additions mean little if the defense can't produce.

===/===

I think that the Pittsburgh Steelers will come out of this game as the victor, my guess is that they beat the Eagles 24-21
- - Oh Zee

RAIDERS VOICE: Raiders rally past Steelers 34-31

RAIDERS VOICE: Raiders rally past Steelers 34-31: Raiders rally past Steelers 34-31 Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski, second from right, celebrates with teammates Dave Tollefson...

RAIDERS VOICE: Palmer prepares for familiar foe in Steelers

RAIDERS VOICE: Palmer prepares for familiar foe in Steelers: By The Sports Xchange | The SportsXchange Oakland Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer (3) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL foot...

Add it All up!

Steelers Isaac Redman Will Start Sunday Vs. Denver

Steelers Isaac Redman Will Start Sunday Vs. Denver
ESPN is reporting RB Isaac Redman will get the start in Week 1 at the Denver Broncos.

Timothy T. Ludwig-US PRESSWIRE



Redman accounted for the bulk of the offense against Denver in a playoff loss there last year, racking up 121 yards in his first career playoff start.

It's not a shock to learn of that news, but it does quell some speculation that perhaps Jonathan Dwyer would get the nod over Redman. It's still likely the duo share carries, with neither one being used substantially more than the other.

There was some speculation this week around the possibility of RB Rashard Mendenhall being activated for this game. There isn't official word that he's been ruled out yet, but he is listed as doubtful on the injury report, meaning it's highly likely he won't play.

That will mean the Steelers will carry with them four running backs - Redman, Dwyer, Chris Rainey and Baron Batch, who's listed as probable on the injury report. He missed Thursday's practice with a groin injury, but had a full practice on Friday.