As the Pittsburgh Steelers embark on their title defense, they'll have a new weapon in their backfield.

Their first-round pick of 2008, running back Rashard Mendenhall, is returning from a shoulder injury suffered during his first career start. He'll be a backup to veteran Willie Parker, but the former Illinois star is sure to get his share of carries.

"I suspect Mendenhall with be more of a compliment to Parker than a threat to his job as the starter," said Jim McMillian of Pittsburgh Blitz. "He should see nine to 10 carries a game, but could also see time on third downs in passing situations and in the short yardage game.

"Parker is the starter in Pittsburgh for at least one more year, and unless he gets hurt or Mendy outplays him, he won't lose as many carries as some may think. I expect Willie to be playing for a new contract and give it everything he has."

Parker, a two-time Pro Bowl back, rushed for at least 1,200 yards for three straight seasons before he missing five games last year with a sprained knee and an injured shoulder. In 11 games, Parker gained 791 yards on the ground and scored five touchdowns. For the first time in his career, however, his average yards-per-carry dropped below 4.0 (3.8).

The five-year veteran's impending free agent status may help Mendenhall, said Frank, who is known as "drinkyourmilkshake" on the blog Behind the Steel Curtain.

"[Parker's] status with the Steelers beyond 2009 is dependent not only on his performance, but also how comfortable the Steelers feel in making Mendenhall their featured back for the foreseeable future.

"The Steelers will need to see something from Mendenhall if they are going to let Parker walk next season, so his carries should increase as the season progresses."

At Illinois, Mendenhall got his chance to be a starter as a junior in 2007. He had a breakout season, leading the Fighting Illini to their first Rose Bowl since 1984. Illinois lost to USC 49-17 in that game, but the team finished 9-4 after going 2-10 the previous year.

After backing up Pierre Thomas as a sophomore, Mendenhall set single-season school records with 1,681 rushing yards (6.4 yard-per-carry average) and 17 touchdowns as the full-time back. He also had 1,999 all-purpose yards, which was another school record.

For 2009, Mendenhall will get a larger share of the carries if he can show he can get the job done in short yardage situations. Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Bruce Arians and offensive line coach Larry Zierlein will try to improve that aspect of the offense, which was problematic last year. Mendenhall could be a big factor in that area.

"The Steelers are absolutely looking for Rashard Mendenhall as a solution for short yardage situations. But to limit him to that role would be a waste of his potential and talents," drinkyourmilkshake said.

"Mendenhall has breakaway speed, combined with the power and size to break tackles and gain additional yards after contact, something Pittsburgh has not had since Jerome Bettis retired."

Frank Summers, a 2009 fifth-round pick from UNLV, will also be in the mix for the short-yardage role. The 5-9, 243 pound running back is nicknamed "The Tank" and he'll primarily be used as a blocking fullback. In his last two years with the Runnin' Rebels, Summers rushed for 1,668 yards.

"This spot on the team will be highly contested during camp and the better man for the job should win the battle. It's up to Mendenhall to make it happen," McMillian said.

With Summers on board, the Steelers' stable of backs is crowded. Veteran Mewelde Moore was a valuable piece to Pittsburgh's offense last year, with 908 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns. He started four games in place of Parker.

"He is versatile and a great blocker when picking up the blitz," McMillian said. "He's more valuable as a third-down back than in the mix for early-down carries, though.

"He has great vision and soft hands. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield will continue to get him three to four touches a week. Barring any injuries though,Mendenhall will cut into his carries as far as the relief hitter for Parker."

By the early accounts, Mendenhall's shoulder shouldn't be a problem. He suffered the injury on a hit by Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis, after gaining 30 yards on nine carries in his debut as a starter. In four games last season, he gained 58 yards on 19 carries (3.1 yard-per-carry average).

"All reports from the Steelers camp have said that Mendenhall is fully recovered. In fact, it was rumored that he may have been healthy enough to come back late in the season last year if the Steelers hadn't placed him on injured reserve," drinkyourmilkshake said.

"Early reports from OTA's are Mendenhall is in tremendous shape and looks much stronger and faster than last season."