The news is exactly what we all feared it would be as Gerry Dulac of Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports Friday via Twitter that Pittsburgh Steelers rookie linebacker Sean Spence tore multiple ligaments in his left knee and as result he will miss the entire 2012 season.
Spence suffered the injury late in the third quarter of the Steelers 17-16 preseason win Thursday night over the Carolina Panthers while chasing quarterback Jimmy Clausen out of the pocket. After suffering the injury the Steelers team doctors were forced to put the injured left knee in a full air cast prior to carting him off the field.
The University of Miami product was the Steelers third round draft pick this past April and looked to be a major contributor during his rookie season on special teams. He was also going to be the backup MACK linebacker on defense and had played well during the preseason as he showed his great ability to move sideline to sideline.
There is no word yet on when Spence will undergo surgery, but it figures to be soon. The Steelers will place him on inured reserve later today as the team needs to cut their roster down to 53 players by 9 p.m. eastern time on Friday.
Spence faces at least a 7-9 month rehab process, but he figures to be ready for training camp next year if everything goes as planned.
