The Steelers are not counting on ILB Sean Spence (knee) making an impact in 2013. Spence, a third-round pick out of Miami last year, tore "multiple ligaments" in his left knee last preseason, forcing him to miss his entire rookie season. Before the injury, Spence "looked every bit" to be Larry Foote's heir apparent next to Lawrence Timmons. Now, the Steelers are expected to address the position again this year.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette confirms rookie ILB Sean Spence has "multiple torn ligaments" in his left knee, and will miss the entire season. He should be placed on injured reserve Friday. Pittsburgh's third-round pick suffered the gruesome-looking injury in Thursday's preseason finale. Spence was set to serve as a reserve inside linebacker and core special teamer. It's not a guarantee he'll be 100 percent for camp next summer.

Steelers rookie ILB Sean Spence is believed to have a torn ACL, torn LCL, and dislocated kneecap.

Steelers rookie ILB Sean Spence was forced from Thursday's preseason finale with a serious leg injury. This coming on the heel of preseason injuries to RG David DeCastro and FB David Johnson. Third-rounder Spence, a quick study in OTAs, had to be carted off with his entire leg in a brace, suggesting a broken bone. He was headed for a special teams role as a rookie.

Steelers third-round ILB Sean Spence has been a "quick study" at OTAs. "He's coming along well. A very sharp young man," said LBs coach Keith Butler. "He's picking up our system as good as anybody has at this point." Added DC Dick LeBeau, "He's done everything any first-year player could do in coaching sessions without pads. I think we're in the right direction there." Even if Spence doesn't push Larry Foote for the starting job, he's expecting to see playing time as a rookie.

Steelers signed third-round ILB Sean Spence to a four-year contract. The Steelers believe the sideline-to-sideline tackling machine's "read-and-react" will compensate for his size deficiencies at 5'11" and under 230 pounds. A four-year starter at Miami, Spence impressed at rookie minicamp while learning both the BUCK and the MACK positions at inside linebacker. Like most Steelers early-round linebackers, he'll learn the ropes on special teams as a rookie.

Steelers GM Kevin Colbert confirmed that third-round pick Sean Spence will be an inside linebacker in Pittsburgh's 3-4 defense. Spencer is 5-foot-11, 231, but the Steelers don't worry much about size at inside 'backer. "We are going to teach him the inside linebacker position, both positions, and see where that leads us," said Colbert. "You watch his tape, the guy's read-and-react is exceptional. That helps him compensate for some of the deficiencies he has in size and length. He is aggressive and he's tough."