By Scott Brown

Published: Monday, February 13, 2012

The Steelers are proceeding with the assumption that running back Rashard Mendenhall won`t be ready for the start of the 2012 regular season.

Mendenhall, who has led the Steelers in rushing the last three seasons, tore the ACL in his right knee Jan. 1 in Cleveland.

"I never feel good about an ACL (tear) until a year," Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said. "I`m not a doctor but that`s just my mindset. If he gets back before that, it`s a bonus."
When asked if Mendenhall`s injury • it happened early in the Steelers` regular-season finale • could cost the former first-round draft pick the 2012 season, Colbert said, "It possibly could."

Mendenhall is at least likely to start 2012 on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Mendenhall`s status has not made running back any more of a priority, Colbert said, as the Steelers start planning for free agency and the draft. A reason for that, Colbert said, is the emergence of Isaac Redman as well as some other young running backs on the Steelers` roster.

"Could we add a back• Sure." Colbert said. "Are we saying we have to add a back• No."

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