Mendenhall's illness puts his status in doubt

The Steelers sent running back Rashard Mendenhall home Thursday because of an illness, putting into question how much he will be able to play Sunday against the visiting Browns.

Mendenhall has started the past two games for the injured Willie Parker (turf toe) and rushed for 242 yards and three touchdowns.

If the illness is a lingering one and limits Mendenhall in the 1 p.m. game, the Steelers will probably be able to lean on Parker.

Parker was a full participant in drills again yesterday.

Said offensive coordinator Bruce Arians: "He's looked real good in practice."

Arians said if both Parker and Mendenhall are close to full strength Sunday, it will be a game-time decision as to how the Steelers use them in the backfield.

"I'd like to have both of them out there," Arians said.

Parker has been wearing a specially-designed shoe that limits the movement of his injured toe.

The sixth-year veteran has rushed for 159 yards this season but is only averaging 3.1 yards per carry.

"Aaron's a guy, he just doesn't get blocked. But we've got good depth on the defensive line, and I know those guys will step in and do a good job. There's only one Aaron Smith, but I think we'll function very well with the guys we've got."

— Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau on replacing Aaron Smith, who sustained a season-ending shoulder injury, at left defensive end.

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