The Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up day two day of their 2013 rookie camp on Saturday and following the practice head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media on the field.
With the OTA sessions now on the horizon, Tomlin was asked if tight end Heath Miller (knee), linebacker Sean Spence (knee) and tackle Marcus Gilbert (ankle) would be able to participate in them.
“All of the rehab is going according to plan and really no new news there,” said Tomlin. “I did hear the opinion regarding Spence, my opinion differs. I think he\’s going to have a full recovery, but now you have two opinions, neither of which are expert medical opinions, so do with it what you wish.”
Last weekend, linebackers coach Keith Butler stated during his talk with the media that Spence, who severely injured his left knee last year during the preseason, would more than likely not play in 2013, and that it would be “miraculous” if he ever played again.
Butler did say, however, that the team was likely going to carry Spence one more year, which likely means that he will be placed on injured reserve out of training camp.
Personally, I think Tomlin is doing some damage control here and trying more than anything to send a positive message to Spence instead of a negative one like Butler delivered.
As far as Miller and Gilbert both go, I really doubt Miller will participate in any of the OTA sessions this offseason while Gilbert will likely be session to session.
