Mendenhall needs to seize starting opportunity

Oct 27, 2009

RB Rashard Mendenhall was projected to go much higher, which is why the Steelers didn't hesitate drafting him even though they didn't personally interview him or dig deeply into his background because never in their wildest imagination did they think he would be there.

The "hot hand" that coach Mike Tomlin said last week kept Mendenhall ahead of Willie Parker on the depth chart cooled off considerably against Minnesota.

If Parker gets healthy, things could become interesting.

Clearly, Tomlin likes Mendenhall enough to start him as Parker continues to struggle with turf toe. Tomlin, however, won't tolerate fumbling.

For the second consecutive week, Tomlin benched Mendenhall after a key fumble. Sitting Mendenhall against Cleveland was no big deal; the Steelers had that game in hand. But with the game on the line in the fourth quarter against Minnesota, Mendenhall was on the bench despite averaging a whopping 6.9 yards on 10 carries.

Fantasy Impact:

today

Cowboys Beat: TE Jake Ferguson not expected to play Thursday

Nick Harris on X

1 hour ago

Long list here, but this is what I’ve gathered:

Guys I expect to play: Brandin Cooks, CeeDee Lamb, Tyler Smith, Cooper Rush

Guys I don’t expect to play: Jake Ferguson, Caelen Carson (possible IR), Zack Martin, Asim Richards

Gonna be close: Trevon Diggs, Eric Kendricks, Marshawn Kneeland

Related players: Luke Schoonmaker

Fantasy Impact:

Ferguson didn't practice Tuesday and remains in protocol, while Rush and Lamb both logged limited sessions. Cooks was also limited. Harris expects Rush, Lamb and Cooks to all play on Thanksgiving against the Giants. If Ferguson is out, Schoonmaker makes for a nice option as a replacement TE in fantasy lineups.

QB Daniel Jones has 'leading' choice, decision could come Wednesday

Josina Anderson on X

1 hour ago

A high-ranking league official told me they have the impression QB Daniel Jones has zeroed on a "leading" choice. While another high-ranking league source told me their understanding is Jones "is telling teams tomorrow."

Fantasy Impact:

Jones seems headed for a backup job and the Ravens, Vikings and Bucs seem like teams that could be in the market. There is a report that says Jones has eliminated the Raiders from contention. As the report said, a decision could come Wednesday from Jones.

Saints say WR Chris Olave (concussion) in a good place

Katherine Terrell on X

1 hour ago

Darren Rizzi said that Chris Olave is in a good place.

Fantasy Impact:

The post went on to say Olave was at the Saints practice on Tuesday and that Olave has seen several specialists and has another appointment coming up soon. On IR, the earliest Olave could be back is Week 15, but there seems to be a ways to go before we get to that point. Other reports say Olave may not return this season.