Pittsburgh Steelers: Rashard Mendenhall Reportedly Won't Be Healthy Until 2013

After tearing his ACL, Pittsburgh Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall is not expected to be able to return to action next season.  

This very well could signal the end of his career as a Steeler. This next season is the last on his current contract. 

Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette relayed the news that Mendenhall is not expected to be ready for next season. 

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Sources told me that the Steelers will not count on Mendenhall returning to form until at least the 2013 season.

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Mendenhall, 24, has played four seasons in the NFL. All have been for the Steelers. He has rushed for 3,367 yards with 29 touchdowns. He has also been a solid threat receiving out of the backfield. He has amassed 599 receiving yards and added another TD. 

After going over 1,000 yards for two straight seasons, Mendenhall narrowly missed last season by gaining 928 yards at 4.1 per carry over 15 games. 

The fact that he is not expected to be ready for next season likely means the Steelers are in the market for another running back in either free agency or the draft. 

They have RB Isaac Redman, who has shown flashes in his two years with the Steelers. However, he has never shouldered the load of being a primary back and the Steelers do not have a proven player currently on their roster to back him up.