Following up on an item in this week's Team Notes. ... Rashard Mendenhall expects to make his season debut in Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles .
It would mark Mendenhall's first game action since he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the 2011 regular-season finale against the Cleveland Browns .
"I've been patient and just kind of increasing what I'm able do," Mendenhall said following Wednesday's practice. "The next step would be a game, and I'm confident in doing that."
According to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette staffer Gerry Dulac, Mendenhall convinced the coaches he was ready to return when he practiced two days last week on artificial turf without any problems or trepidation.
Having Mendenhall, a two-time 1,00-yard rusher, back won’t necessarily cure the running game ailments. The offensive line has not done a good job of getting to the second tier and creating holes.
But the hope is Mendenhall can provide a spark for the Steelers ' No. 31 ranked rushing attack. And that's not good news for Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer owners.
Stay tuned. I'll continue following up on Mendenhall's status through game time.
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