Rashard Mendenhall Injury: Updates on Steeler's Week 4 Status and Fantasy Value

Rashard Mendenhall found the end zone for only the second time this season against the Houston Texans today.

He was averaging only 2.8 yards per carry for the game, and was then forced to the sideline with a hamstring injury.

According to Nick Scurfield:

This is the second hamstring injury to knock out a star player in this game.

The Texans' Andre Johnson was also forced to the sideline in the first half and is now in street clothes.

The loss of Mendenhall is a big deal for a Steelers team that is having trouble scoring points as it is.

In his stead the Steelers have used Mewelde Moore and Isaac Redman against the Texans defense. The duo has had more success than Mendenhall, but the Steelers don't want to see him miss extended time.

As a team Pittsburgh has rushed for 118 yards on 22 carries.

In terms of fantasy, and if Mendenhall is going to miss extended time, Redman looks to be the one guy who will benefit the most.

The second-year pro has become the legitimate change-of-pace back in front of Moore.

However, should things turn ugly in Pittsburgh Moore has the veteran experience on his side that the Steelers may lean on if Mendenhall is legitimately out.

Basically, you need to monitor the Steelers' practice reports if you want to make a play for either backup.

Pittsburgh, who lost opening week and struggled with the Colts last week in Indianapolis, does have a weaker portion of their schedule on tap. They don't, however, want to go through it with an injured running back.

The Steelers have now lost this second game of the season with Mendenhall on the sideline, and it looks like Ben Roethlisberger was also injured on the final drive.

From a pass out of his own end zone, Roethlisberger was clipped in the knee and received a flag for what is better known as the "Brady Rule."

Pittsburgh might have lost a lot more than just the game in their Week 4 loss at Houston.

Check back for more updates on Mendenhall as we'll update when more is known.