National Football League

Steelers RB Mendenhall hurts knee

Published Jan. 1, 2012 5:08 p.m. ET

foxsports

Pittsburgh Steelers starting running back Rashard Mendenhall has injured his right knee.

Mendenhall got hurt on a 5-yard carry on the final play of the first quarter against Cleveland. Mendenhall walked slowly to the sideline, where he was checked by Pittsburgh's training staff before heading to the locker room for further tests.

The Steelers said Mendenhall's return is questionable

Mendenhall rushed for 38 yards on eight carries before getting hurt, giving him 928 yards this season. He has run for more than 1,000 yards in each of the past two seasons. He also passed Walter Abercrombie for ninth place on the team's career list.

Mendenhall was replaced by Isaac Redman.