Even though
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall was suspended for
Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys for conduct detrimental to the
team, the two sides are engaging in contract talks, according to
ESPN.com.
Mendenhall
did not show up for last week's game against the San Diego Chargers
after he found out he was inactive. He had lost his starting job to
Jonathan Dwyer two weeks ago.
Mendenhall is a free agent at the end of the season.
Citing sources,
ESPN reported that Mendenhall found out he lost his starting job from
friends instead of coaches. He then found out that he was inactive for
the game against the Baltimore Ravens two weeks ago when he arrived at
the stadium and found his locker empty.
Although
the Steelers did not specify why Mendenhall was suspended, it stems
from his no-show against the Chargers, according to the Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette. The team announced the suspension on Tuesday.
Mendenhall
has played in just four games this season because of injuries. He made
his season debut Oct. 4 because of ACL surgery. He then strained his
right Achilles less than a week later.
He has 34 carries for 113 yards this year.