Rashard Mendenhall, Brandon Johnson ruled out of Week 8 game vs. Redskins

Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall will miss his second consecutive game and sixth overall this season when Pittsburgh hosts the Washington Redskins in Week 8.

Mendenhall has been bothered by an Achilles strain suffered in the Steelers' Week 6 loss at Tennessee. he had six carries in that game before getting hurt.

His back-up, Isaac Redman, also missed the Steelers' Week 7 game with an ankle injury suffered against Tennessee. He is listed as questionable for this game.

All signs point to Jonathan Dwyer getting his second consecutive start, one week off a 122-yard performance against Cincinnati. Whomever starts is immaterial to the amount of carries get, and with Dwyer being the healthy and hot hand, it seems he would take the bulk of the snaps.

Back-up linebacker and special teams player Brandon Johnson will miss the game with a hamstring injury. Mendenhall and Johnson join Troy Polamalu (calf) and Marcus Gilbert (ankle) as being declared out for this game.

Redman is the only player at risk of missing the game. All others, including kicker Shaun Suisham (ankle) listed on the injury report are expected to play.

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