Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer has managed to put together back-to-back 100-yard games, but he still insists that Rashard Mendenhall will be the starter when he returns from his Achilles injury.
Dwyer, who has started the last two games after seemingly being benched for fumbling against the Oakland Raiders several weeks ago, told the media on Wednesday that Mendenhall is indeed the guy and that he knows his role.
“I mean, Rac is the guy,” said Dwyer, referring to Mendenhall by his nickname. “Rac has been here for years, and they drafted him in the first round to be a starter. That\’s his room and we complement him.”
Mendenhall is still recovering from an Achilles injury that he suffered against the Tennessee Titans and he just started back practicing on a limited basis on Wednesday. In his one full game of action this season against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Steelers former first round draft pick rushed for 68 yards and chipped in another 33 yards in receiving.
Fellow running back Isaac Redman is back practicing fully now and should be ready to dress for the game Sunday against the New York Giants. With Mendenhall still likely to be held out this Sunday, Dwyer has a chance to start his third straight game, assuming he can overcome the quad strain he suffered late in the game this past Sunday.
Dwyer is right, Mendenhall is the guy, but another 100 yard performance would have the Steelers coaching staff questioning if they need to reevaluate that.
