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A year ago at this time, Rashard Mendenhall(notes) was broken. The Steelers' prized draft choice, a victim of a violent collision with Ravens legend Ray Lewis(notes) (See nasty hit here), was placed on injured reserve with a fractured shoulder.

Over the remainder of the season, with arm in sling, he watched helplessly from the sideline as his teammates again paved their way to the pinnacle of pro football. For the unpolished back, the championship was bittersweet. A chance at redemption was months away...

When Mendenhall suited up for training camp in August, his once bright future was noticeably dimmer. The return of a healthy and money motivated Willie Parker(notes) and rise of Mewelde Moore(notes) the year before complicated the youngster's expected role.

Constantly evaluated and heavily scrutinized throughout the preseason, his mediocre performance on the field convinced many in Fantasyland the former first-rounder was on the precipice of busting. Owners who drafted him apathetically in the mid-100s (ADP: 137.0) prayed the dazzling skills he once showcased at Illinois would reemerge. Despite the majority's lukewarm feelings, one loudmouthed fantasy writer with a taste for orange Kool-Aid remained confident the wayward rusher would finally break out.

Through the first three weeks of his '09 campaign, Mendenhall produced minimally. Though showing occasionally flashes against Chicago, his demotion the following week due to poor preparation in practice crippled his value. Because of his dormancy, impatient owners and blind pundits (Sidebar: One from a prominent competitor comes to mind) immediately pressed the "dump" button, foolishly tossing him aside for the latest waiver flavor.

Then Week 4 happened.

Due to Fast Willie's plaguing turf toe, Mendenhall was provided a second chance. And this time he didn't fail.

With thoughts of masked thieves, critics of hip hop dancing and, as implied by Parker, yo mama jokesters presumably running through his head, he exhibited superb burst and Clydesdale power steamrolling over one Chargers defender after another en route to 191 total yards and two touchdowns -- the finest performance by a Pittsburgh RB since '06 (See highlights here). He also averaged a ridiculous 5.7 yards per carry. Right tackle Willie Colon(notes) was amazed by the rusher's sudden transformation:

"You could see the urgency in his eyes, the fight in his eyes," Steelers right tackle Willie Colon said. "We told him, 'Trust us. We believe in you.' I think he felt like (he had something to prove) after last week. I think he felt like he really needed to get it going. He's a young kid. He's trying to grow into an NFL back. He's going to be good. We're proud of him."

Mike Tomlin, who could probably motivate a vegetarian to eat a Roethlisburger, came away mostly impressed, but stressed consistency:

"He's a talented young man, a good guy," Tomlin said. "He went through what some guys go through. He addressed it and moved forward, and he showed what he's capable of doing. He needs to continue to do that and build off that as we move forward. I'm sure that's his mindset but, more importantly, we're going to make sure that our actions match our mentality."

It's true a one-legged hippo could rack appreciable numbers against the Jamaal Williams-less Chargers, but the once maligned runner's stellar all-around effort - his block on linebacker Kevin Burnett(notes) was a serious lick - has refueled the hype machine. Another standout performance, this time against Detroit, and you may witness a follically-challenged fantasy writer streak down your street. Warn the women and children.

Despite his remarkable success against San Diego, many owners believe Mendenhall is a prime sell high candidate. They couldn't be more wrong. Here's why:

1) Parker's turf toe will severely limit him. As Darren McFadden(notes) and LT owners can attest and podiatrists would argue the ailment is a multi-week setback. Even if he can endure the pain, his downward-trending performance will only intensify. When asked Wednesday about the anticipated "division of labor," Tomlin was somewhat cryptic, but said "at this point, the ball's in Rashard's hands." Because Mendenhall is healthier and more dynamic, Parker's role will likely be minor moving forward.

2) The Steelers' immediate slate is Megan-Fox-smothered-in-Baconnaise delicious. Pittsburgh travels to the Motor City this week and hosts Cleveland the next. The Lions and Browns rank seventh and first respectively in fantasy points per game allowed to rushers, yielding a combined 5.2 yards per carry, 183.8 total yards and 1.6 scores per contest. Even if Mendenhall were to cede roughly 10-15 touches to Parker/Moore, he still could easily average 100-plus total yards with multiple pay-dirt splashes over the next two weeks. It's also important to note, Cleveland is again on the docket Week 14.

3) Finally, Parker is in the final year of his contract, which means Mendenhall will continue to be evaluated for the long-term. Another unexpected box score absence is very unlikely.

The Steelers' offensive line, which has shown significant improvement over the past two weeks, must continue to perform at an admirable level for the rising star to legitimize his value as an elite RB2. If that happens, the commodity naysayers labeled "garbage" just a couple weeks ago will remain entrenched in the RB top 15 -- Parker or not.

UPDATE: According to an AP Report, Parker is unlikely to face Detroit this week. The fading rusher admits he's "not where he needs to be." This solidifies Mendenhall's status as a top 10 RB play in Week 5. Move Moore up your depth charts as well.

Week 5 Fearless Forecast: 24 carries, 117 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 15 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

Are you now convinced of Mendenhall's budding greatness? Should his backers sell high? Where will he finish in the RB hierarchy? Do pythons live inside his biceps? Discuss below.

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Image courtesy of US Presswire 

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