Gerry: Mendenhall expected to return for Ravens

Wednesday, 14 November 2012 14:14

Written by Gerry Dulac

After missing the previous four games with an Achilles tendon injury, running back Rashard Mendenhall is expected to return Sunday night against the Ravens.

In three of the four games Mendenhall missed, the Steelers had 100-yard rushing performances from Jonathan Dwyer (2) and Isaac Redman (1).

Redman and Dwyer split time in the backfield against the Kansas City Chiefs, with Dwyer finishing as the leading rusher with 56 yards on 19 carries.

Redman had a costly fumble at his own 9-yard line near the end of the first quarter that led to a Kansas City field goal and did not play in the second quarter.

However, he was not being punished for the turnover.  Rather, the game plan was for Redman and Dwyer to play every two series, which is why Dwyer played in the second quarter.

Redman was back in the game in the third quarter.

With Mendenhall back, the Steelers will have to deactivate one of their six running backs for the Ravens game, probably Baron Batch.