Steelreign : Spence Could Provide Answer For Steelers At Linebacker

How many people forgot about Sean Spence, the Steelers third round pick out of Miami in 2012, who suffered a near career ending knee injury in the third preseason game of his rookie year against the Washington Redskins. Spence was recently given a clean bill of health by doctors to resume the pursuit of his NFL career and the only question that remains is how close he will be able to perform physically to his pre-injury capabilities. The closest comparison I can make to Spence's situation, is the comeback that Jerry Olsavsky made from his severe knee injury during his playing career as a Steelers Linebacker. Olsavsky returned to provide the Steelers with solid and steady play and should be able to provide Spence with the valuable support he may need in clearing any mental hurdles he may run into.
Spence, who has the reputation of being a cerebral player, hasn't stepped on the field of play in nearly two years, but he has been able to get plenty of mental reps, which gives him a sizeable advantage over anyone the Steelers may draft or bring into the system. While it would be great to see him progress to the point of competing with Vince Williams for a starting spot by the end of training camp, the most realistic scenario will have him working his way back through special teams and competing with the likes of Terence Garvin to back up Vince Williams to begin the season.
Looking at all the advancements in Sports medicine since Jerry Olsavsky suffered his severe knee injury and had his surgery, anything is possible. If Sean Spence can come all the way back and work himself into any kind of position where he is getting regular playing time and contributing, the Steelers situation at Linebacker would greatly improve. While Vince Williams did a good job of taking over for Larry Foote, he's not much more than a two down guy, whereas Spence has the ability to stay on the field for every down. If he proves he can come back, Spence's return is almost like the Steelers getting a tenth draft pick this year.
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