In a blog explaining his retirement, free agent Rashard Mendenhall said his plan now is to "travel the world and write!" Mendenhall's full explanation of why he's hanging it up after just six seasons at age 26 can be accessed at the link below. "Having to fight through waves and currents of praise and criticism, but mostly hate. I can't even count how many times I've been called a 'dumb n-----'," he wrote. Mendy also mentioned the fantasy world. "Practice non-participants are reported throughout the week for predicted fantasy value; and success and failure for skill players is measured solely in stats and fantasy points. This is a very different model of football than the one I grew up with," he said.

Rashard Mendenhall has officially decided to retire.

In a post he wrote for the Huffington Post, free agent Rashard Mendenhall hinted he could retire. "...the journey is over and I am fully at peace. Eagerly looking to a new way, which lies ahead," Mendenhall wrote. Mendenhall battled toe and recurring knee issues last season with the Cardinals and averaged just 3.2 YPC. Take away a 28-yard run against the 49ers in Week 17, Mendenhall's longest run on the season was 15 yards. His explosion has been sapped. The Cardinals reportedly haven't closed the door on re-signing him, but coach Bruce Arians recently made it clear that Andre Ellington will be the No. 1 back. Mendenhall turns 27 in June.

Rashard Mendenhall rushed 10 times for 47 yards and caught two passes for 13 yards in Sunday's Week 17 loss to the 49ers. Mendenhall's 12 touches were even with Andre Ellington's 12. That's the way it was for much of this season as Bruce Arians fed his boy from their Pittsburgh despite his lack of big-play ability. Mendy heads to unrestricted free agency with 217 carries for 687 yards (3.16 YPC) and eight touchdowns to go with 18 catches for 134 more yards while playing in 15 games. If the Cardinals know what's good for them, they'll watch someone else pay Mendenhall and give lead-back duties to Ellington.

Rashard Mendenhall (finger) is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the 49ers. Mendenhall was limited in practice Wednesday with a finger injury, but it's not a major concern. He'll continue to handle all short-yardage and red-zone work in a committee with Andre Ellington.

Rashard Mendenhall (finger) was limited in Wednesday's practice. The finger injury is not expected to affect his Week 17 availability.

Rashard Mendenhall was added to the Cardinals' injury report on Thursday, getting in a limited session with a finger issue. Mid-week additions to the injury report are rarely good news, but there's no reason to worry in Mendenhall's case. It's a minor injury the Cardinals are simply trying to manage ahead of Sunday's showdown with the Seahawks. Mendenhall will be a touchdown-dependent RB2 in what figures to be a low-scoring game.

Rashard Mendenhall rushed for 41 yards and one touchdown on 17 carries in Week 14 against the Rams. Mendenhall wasn't a factor in the passing game. He kicked off the scoring with a three-yard touchdown plunge on the opening drive. Mendenhall out-carried Andre Ellington 17-11, but Ellington's return to the lineup predictably had a drain on Mendenhall's potential workload. Mendenhall will be a mere flex option next week against the Titans.

Rashard Mendenhall rushed 18 times for 76 yards in Sunday's Week 13 loss at Philadelphia. With Andre Ellington (knee) sidelined, Mendenhall got more work than usual. And for the second straight week, he actually ran impressively as he ran decisively through holes. However, he got stuffed on a goal-line chance in the fourth quarter and wasn't even targeted in the pass game, leaving fantasy owners without much to chew on. Mendy will be a mere weak flex against the Rams in Week 14 whether Ellington returns or not.

Coach Bruce Arians said Rashard Mendenhall "looked like himself" in Sunday's win over the Colts. Mendenhall topped 50 rushing yards for the first time since Week 2, carrying 13 times for 54 yards with a score against the Colts. "He looked healthy like he did back in training camp," Arians said. "I was really glad to see that, and no better time. I thought he had, by far, his best game." Arians sticks with Mendy even when he's struggling, so we know he'll be the feature back against the Eagles in Week 13. Expect another 12-15 touches.