On the heels of his breakthrough performance on Sunday night against the Chargers, Rashard Mendenhall has given the Steelers something to think about.

With Willie Parker sidelined by turf toe, Mendenhall took the reigns of an offense that was destined to become his when the Steelers drafted him in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. However, Mendenhall’s journey to this point has been all but an ascension to glory.

He talked trash as a rookie and the Ravens punished him for it, sending him to injured reserve. Could not beat out Willie Parker for the starting job in training camp this summer. Has struggled with fumbles and pass protection. Was criticized as recently as last week for his game-week preparation.

For someone with all that baggage in such a short amount of time, he sure can throw down a fat fantasy stat line when called upon as a starting running back.

Mendenhall finished his first start against the Chargers with 165 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 29 carries. He also caught two passes for 26 yards, proving his worth in the passing game. Surprisingly, I found him on the waiver wire in a few of my leagues this week. Needless to say, I made a few claims.

His performance begs the question: What do the Steelers do with Parker and Mendenhall now? And do they let Parker walk this offseason and hand the keys to Mendenhall?

Here are today’s great reads:

• More reaction from the most-watched Monday Night Football game cable TV program in the history of television. [The Big Lead]
• Week 5 waiver wire advice for those of you playing in individual defensive player leagues. [Kilroyz Krystal Ball]
• Several big-name fantasy football players are on the chopping block in fantasy football leagues. Is it time to cut the cord on LaDainian Tomlinson already? [FanHouse]
• Peyton Manning takes over for Drew Brees as the league’s top quarterback after the first quarter of the season. [Shutdown Corner]
• Target report highlights from week 4 with a look at the Cleveland Browns’ resurgent passing game behind the arm of Derek Anderson. [Pancake Blocks]

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