The Facts: Mendenhall missed both practices Saturday and will miss the final mini-camp practice today due to a hamstring injury. HC Mike Tomlin hopes he will return when the Steelers resume their spring workouts in two weeks.
Diehards Line:As with 2007 first-round pick, LB Lawrence Timmons, Mendenhall came down with an injury after his first day of mini-camp and Tomlin believes top rookies have a problem with injuries in mini-camps. Last year, Timmons left after one practice with a groin injury and No. 2 pick LaMarr Woodley came down with a hamstring injury in mini-camp. Because the top picks are in such demand by the pro scouts before the draft, Tomlin believes it throws off their conditioning. ... Positives? Mendenhall has plenty of time to get healthy.