Torn ACL for Steelers' Mendenhall; surgery soon

Rashard Mendenhall has a torn anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, in his right knee and will be placed on injured reserve by the Steelers.

The 24-year-old halfback will have surgery in one or two weeks after the swelling goes down, although a source told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette there is little swelling and that it appears there is no other damage in the knee.

Such injuries usually require 6-8 months of recuperation and rehabilitation before a player can return, although it can vary widely.

Rod Woodson famously had the injury in September 1995 and returned to play in the Super Bowl 4 1/2 months later.

The Steelers hope Mendenhall will be able to participate in training camp next August.

First published on January 2, 2012 at 4:15 pm