Sean Spence: Steelers linebacker headed back to injured reserve

Aug 30, 2012; Pittsburgh , PA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Derek Anderson (3) throws a pass under pressure from Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Sean Spence (51) during the first half of the game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

The Pittsburgh Steelers have placed inside linebacker Sean Spence on injured reserve, ending his hopes of coming back to play in 2013. Spence’s entire NFL career has basically been spent injured ever since he suffered a horrific knee injury that risked ending his NFL career before it started. The injury tore his ACL, LCL, dislocated his knee cap and caused nerve damage and kept him out over a year. He started the year on the physically unable to perform list in hopes that he could come back and play the second half of this season.

Spence was able to get back on the practice field last month and has been with the team for three weeks, but he just was not healthy enough to come back this year. The move to injured reserve is a frustrating one for Spence, but the hope is that he will be able to come back healthy and ready to contribute next season for the Steelers. Spence was a third round pick in 2012 and since the knee injury happened in August, he has not been able to play in an NFL game to this point in his career.

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