The Steelers brought back a familiar face with the signing of Sean Spence. Spence was signed to add depth at linebacker after Ryan Shazier suffered what was referred to a spine injury in a statement issued by the doctors caring for him.
Spence was selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft, but a severe knee injury during the preseason sidetracked his career early on. Spence missed the entire 2012 season and part of the 2013 season with the knee injury. After he was finally cleared to return to practice mid-season in 2013, he suffered a finger injury that required surgery and he finished out his second season on injured reserve.
Many thought his career would be over before it started, including his former linebackers coach, and now Steelers' defensive coordinator Keith Butler. Butler said multiple times it would be 'miraculous' if Spence came back from his injury, and Spence proved miracles happen.
Spence returned to the field and played two seasons in black and gold before signing with the Tennessee Titans in 2016. He was signed by the Colts in 2017, but was released in October.
Spence has played In 49 regular-season games, with 19 starts, and has 134 tackles (93 solo), five sacks, nine tackles for losses, eight quarterback hits, three passes defensed, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
The Steelers have room on the roster because JuJu Smith-Schuster was placed on the Reserve/Suspended by Commissioner List.
