Throughout the Steelers locker room Wednesday, it was difficult to find a player who would speak on the record about the one-game suspension that RB Rashard Mendenhall will serve this week.
Mendenhall was given the discipline Tuesday, two days after he failed to show up at Heinz Field for Pittsburgh's listless 34-24 loss to San Diego. A former first-round pick and 1,200-yard rusher, Mendenhall has been a healthy scratch the past two games.
When coach Mike Tomlin announced immediately after practice that he was going to give a statement (without taking any questions), it became apparent that Tomlin instructed his players not to comment publicly about Mendenhall.
The most interesting thing Tomlin said was acknowledging the "frustration" Mendenhall has with his diminished role. Mendenhall has never expressed such feelings publicly.
Here is the full text of Tomlin's statement:
"I wanted to make a statement regarding Rashard Mendenhall and his suspension. Last Sunday, he was not at the game. I deemed those actions a detriment to our efforts. I stated as such when I met with him that there were going to be repercussions with it. It was a good visit. He accepted it. He looks forward to coming back and rejoining his team on Monday and being a positive contributor to our efforts therest of the way.
"Obviously there is frustration with his situation, understandably. But we all have a job to do. I require that all guys remain professional regardless of personal circumstances. He didn't meet the standard in that regard, and he accepted the consequences of it. Hopefully this will be a lesson learned, not only for him but for everyone, and we will be able to move on from it. Right now, our focus is on the guys that are here and their preparation in an effort to pursue victory this weekend."
RB Baron Batch was promoted from the practice squad to take Mendenhall's place on the active roster, and Batch indicated Wednesday that he will be in uniform.
"You never want to see a teammate go through a rough time, but at the same time it's an opportunity for me, and I've just got to take it as that," Batch said. "It's an opportunity. I've got to make the most of it."
Batch is an Odessa, Texas, native, which increases his eagerness to play against the Cowboys. The Steelers likely will go back to dressing five running backs (counting FB Will Johnson) because Batch is a solid special teams player, whereas Mendenhall offered nothing on special teams.
Follow Steelers reporter Chris Adamski on Twitter @CBSSteelers and @BuzzsawPGH.
