Rashard Mendenhall has been suspended by the Pittsburgh Steelers for one week for "conduct detrimental to the team".

The running back did not turn up for the Steelers' loss to the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, after being told that he would not be playing.

Mendenhall's agent, Mike McCartney, told NFL.com: "I really believe Rashard is going to come back with great energy and great excitement.

"He's going to embrace his teammates and his team, and he could be a huge part of a playoff run."

Mendenhall is out of contract at the end of the season.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has favoured Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer at running back in the second half of the current NFL season.