Rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall could not have picked a worst game to get his first start in an NFL game.
A 5-foot-10, 225-pound first-round pick, Mendenhall is expected to play in place of starter Willie Parker, who sprained his left knee in the Steelers 15-6 loss at the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. On Monday night, Mendenhall will face the Ravens, a team which has not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 21 straight games.
Mendenhall has rushed for 28 yards on 10 carries this season. He has seen limited time in part because he fumbled three times in the Steelers final two exhibition games.
Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs said his team prepares for every game like they are facing an elite running back despite having the NFL’s top-ranked defense and only allowing two 100-yard rushers in their last 38 games.
“I like to think every back is dangerous, like a Barry Sanders-type guy” Suggs said. “I think if you don’t show up and you don’t play football, he’s going to explode and it’s going to be on you guys. I just always think the worst thing is going to happen. So in my preparation, I just try to just stop that.”
Landry progressing
Ravens safety Dawan Landry said he is progressing nicely just four days after he suffered a spinal concussion after taking a knee to the helmet late in the first half against the Cleveland Browns.
Landry said he would have to wear a neck brace for at least the next week before beginning to rehabilitate the injury. He added he was afraid right after he was injured, but that subsided after he regained all feeling in his extremities in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.
“It was really scary,” Landry said. “That was my first time every being really injured. At the time, I couldn’t feel anything. I could talk, though, and felt my toes a little bit. I knew I’d be fine eventually, so it was a blessing.”
Not expecting the same
Ravens defensive tackle Trevor Pryce watched the Philadelphia Eagles finish with nine sacks, including eight on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on Sunday.
Pryce said he doesn’t think the Ravens will be able to rush the passer with that much success against the Steelers Monday night, even though the team already has six sacks through two games.
Pryce, who has one sack this season and 80 in his career, believes the Steelers will make the proper adjustments and to give whoever is behind center better protection.
“[Roethlisberger’s] not going to get hit like that again,” Pryce said. “Whatever they were going through, they’ll fix it. I think Philly caught them a little off guard. We won’t catch them off guard.”
Rolle update
It appears there is a good chance Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle could miss Monday’s game with a shoulder injury. Rolle injured his right shoulder while coming up with an interception in the final seconds of the Ravens 28-10 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Rolle was wearing a purple sweatshirt and shorts during practice Thursday. The Ravens have already ruled Landry and Kelly Gregg (knee) out for the Steelers game.
Catch the Game
Ravens (2-0) vs. Steelers (2-1)
- When: Monday, 8:30 p.m.
- Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh
- TV/Radio: ESPN / 1090 AM, 97.7 FM
