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Mike Wilening of Pro Football Weekly reports that RB Rashard Mendenhall has caught the eye of observers at the Steelers’ OTAs and looking stronger than he did as a rookie. Mendenhall, who does not turn 22 until June 19, missed most of last season with a broken left shoulder blade, but he is poised to have a regular role in the offense this season. At 5-10 and 225 pounds, Mendenhall may be the Steelers’ back best-suited to handle the short-yardage and goal-line carries, especially with bruising fifth-round pick Frank Summers perhaps still a ways from contributing regularly.

Mancini’s Take: Yes, he’s an extremely physical runner and the less-than-durable Willie Parker needs help. Mendenhall has all his ducks in a row to succeed in 2009. Hopefully, we’ll see more touchdowns from him than trash talking.

Mandel's Take: Not only does Parker need help, he's in the final year of his contract so the Steelers will want to see what the younger, more cost-effective Mendenhall can do. Can he bounce back from his injury? I believe he will, and with a vengeance. The setback he suffered last season will only make the second-year back hungrier; he knows there are huge question marks surrounding him and that this league isn't very sympathetic toward his injury problems. It's time to produce for Mendenhall, and he knows it.

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