National Football League

Steelers RB Mendenhall returns

Published Dec. 19, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall says he's focused on doing his job, not his future with the team.

Mendenhall returned to practice on Wednesday after serving a one-game suspension for deciding not to show up at Heinz Field for Pittsburgh's game with the San Diego Chargers on Dec. 9. Mendenhall, who was inactive during the game, declined to talk about his decision to stay away but later added ''there's a lot of thought'' that goes into anything he does.

Mendenhall has struggled this season after returning from a torn ACL in October. He accounted for 101 yards and a touchdown in his first game back but injured his Achilles four days later against Tennessee and was dropped to the third-string after fumbling against Cleveland last month.