Matt Spaeth Practiced Today, Expected to Be Activated Soon
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier in the week it was reported by multiple sources that tight end Matt Spaeth could potentially return to the field for the Pittsburgh Steelers this fall. Now it looks like Spaeth will be activated at some point during the next three weeks according to Scott Brown of ESPN.com:
TE Matt Spaeth returned to practice today and expects to get activated from short-term IR within next three weeks.
— Scott Brown (@ScottBrown_15) November 21, 2013
Spaeth practiced on a limited basis and said it will be important to see how his foot responds tomorrow.
— Scott Brown (@ScottBrown_15) November 21, 2013
Spaeth: “I did a little individual stuff and some team stuff. Didn’t do a lot but did a little bit of everything. It felt good to be back.”
— Scott Brown (@ScottBrown_15) November 21, 2013
The return of Spaeth, who was placed on the injured-reserve-designated to return list by the team after he sustained a Liscfranc (foot) injury during training camp, would be a welcome sight for the Steelers’ offense. Behind Heath Miller, Pittsburgh has little in terms of experienced depth at the tight end position.
David Paulson has been ineffective to say the least, and the Steelers could stand to add a blocking tight end like Spaeth to the mix to help their anemic running game (30th overall, rushing yards per game).
Due to NFL rules, Pittsburgh will have three weeks to decide whether or not to add the veteran to their 53-man roster, send him to injured-reserve for the rest of the season, or release him. With the lack of experienced depth at the position though, one has to believe that the team will activate the former Minnesota Golden Gopher the second he is healthy enough to play.
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