Steelers Not Naming RB Rashard Mendenhall A Starter Yet

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin also said that running back Willie Parker (turf toe) may be limited in the early part of the week, but stopped short of anointing Rashard Mendenhall the starter for the second consecutive game. "We haven't pondered the division of labor to this point," Tomlin said. "The most important thing is to find out the level of availability of Willie and then we'll make that determination. At this point, the ball's in Rashard's hands until we get further information in regards to Willie Parker."

Source: Tribune Review

 

If....and I repeat IF....Mendenhall has a performance like last Sunday again this week. Willie will have plenty of time to rehab that toe.

 

Parker is over the hill, at least his Rashard the chance to prove himself.

 

I have no problem with what Tomlin has said. The balls in Mendenhall's hand right now. Rightfully so.

 

No one could have honestly expected Rashard to become the starter right away, Tomlin is just that kind of guy, he don't want to hurt Willie's feelings. At this point he needs to.

 

Give Mendenhall the rock the majority of the next three weeks and see what happens...

 

Exactly, this is what I believe Tomlin will do.

 

mendenhall has a PRIME opportunity to crush the lions and browns defense...he takes advantage of that and he will not having a problem fending off willie.

 

I don't see how he don't get 100 yards in both of those games at least, Will the Steelers look to the free agency or draft next year for the runningback that will be a 1-2 punch with Mendenhall. (I know I'm thinking a little far ahead, but the way the offensive line is opening holes and the physicality Mendenhall is running with, I don't see how he doesn't get plenty of opportunities to be the feature back in Pittsburgh.

 

I believe Moore's contract is up after this season as well...so they may have two spots open...

 

I'm all for bring Moore back.

 

moore will most definitely be retained...hes a tomlin man crush and hes not pricy

 

True Tomlin and Moore have history.

 

Here's a list of 2009 Free Agents:

[table="head"]Player | Current Team | Age | Restricted FA
Ronnie Brown | Miami Dolphins | 27
Jerious Norwood | Atlanta Falcons | 26
LenDale White | Tennessee Titans | 24
Darren Sproles | San Diego Chargers | 26
Kenneth Darby | St. Louis Rams | 26
Kevin Faulk | New England Patriots | 33
Jerome Harrison | Cleveland Browns | 26
Le'Ron McClain | Baltimore Ravens | 24 | X
Adrian Peterson | Chicago Bears | 30
Kolby Smith | Kansas City Chiefs | 24 | X
Chester Taylor | Minnesota Vikings | 29
Leon Washington | New York Jets | 27
Cadillac Williams | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 27
Ricky Williams | Miami Dolphins | 32 [/table]

 

I think Moore will be back too...I can't remember when he signed...2008? I know he signed for 3 years so maybe his deal isn't up until after 2010? So it may not be an issue next season...I can't remember.

 

last year was his first year

 

Then we should have him until the end of 2010...

 

and did anyone know Moore had an arm? i mean come on man that was a decent pbutt.