Steelers' Rashard Mendenhall awaits word on role

Even though Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall may be active for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals, head coach Mike Tomlin is remaining mum on what kind of role he will play. Mendenhall was suspended for last week's 27-24 overtime loss to the Dallas Cowboys because he didn't show up for the Steelers' game against the San Diego Chargers on Dec. 9.

Mendenhall says that if he is activated, he will play in whatever role Tomlin has in mind for him:

"I've worked this whole time, so I'm ready for whatever role they have for me."

So far this season, Mendenhall has missed four games with a sore achilles tendon and has only run for 113 yards on 34 carries this season. He's also caught seven passes for 61 yards and a touchdown.

Head coach Mike Tomlin thinks that the Steelers can be successful if they run the ball well as they did against the Bengals back on Oct. 21 in Cincinnati where running back Jonathan Dwyer ran for 122 yards on 17 carries:

"We were successful in running the ball against these guys the last time," said Tomlin. "We don't anticipate that it will be easy just because of our past experience. But we are comfortable with the formulation of a plan, and we look forward to having those guys being a big part of what it is we do."

The Steelers and Bengals play Sunday at Heinz Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. and the game will be televised on CBS.