Sean Spence remains upbeat

PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers shut down Sean Spence for the rest of the season Wednesday when they decided against putting the inside linebacker on their 53-man roster.

But his abbreviated time spent practicing with the team left Spence confident that he will play again after suffering a devastating knee injury in the Steelers’ final preseason game of 2012.

“I have a sense of comfort from practicing with the guys and competing against them I’ll be able to do it again,” Spence said.

Spence remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list as he recovers from several torn knee ligaments and nerve damage that was also a result of a dislocated kneecap.

He was allowed to practice for a three-week period as the Steelers evaluated Spence and even during that period the former Miami (Fla.) standout had a setback.

He broke his finger, limiting the amount of work he got in practice, but Spence said he “should be ready to go” when the Steelers start offseason practice in the spring.

He remains confident that he will be able to help the Steelers at some point even though Spence still have plenty of work ahead him as he works his way back.

“This has always been my dream to make it in the NFL and to come to an organization like this that has the caliber of great defenses, great linebackers,” Spence said. I don’t need things from outside to come in and motivate me.”


(espn.com)