Akeem Spence Out For “Months”
August 2nd, 2015
Bucs DT Akeem Spence is out for some time after back surgery.
The Bucs have taken a nasty hit to their defensive tackle depth.
It was learned today that third-year pro Akeem Spence will miss a good chunk of the season due to a non-football-related back injury.
Per Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times, Spence had to have back surgery and he won’t see the practice field much less the playing field any time soon.
“I’m probably a couple more months away,” Spence said after watching Sunday’s practice at One Buc Place, six weeks before the season starts on Sept. 13 against the Titans.
Spence said he was lifting weights and it “caused something in my back to slip,” requiring surgery on July 2. His timetable for recovery would make him a candidate for the NFL’s physically unable to perform list, which would keep him from taking up a spot on the 53-man roster but wouldn’t allow him to play until after the first six games of the season.
Clearly, this is bad news. Spence, perhaps underrated, was a key component of the rotation of defensive tackles with 3 1/2 sacks last year. Joe knows enough about back problems with linemen to know that it wouldn’t be a shock if Spence takes longer than two months to heal, if he is back this season.
Backs are tricky things, especially for those who make a living in NFL trenches.
August 2nd, 2015 at 8:42 pm
Good grief. That stinks, I guess that’s why we signed bowers. Time to claim the dt from Seattle that was cut today
August 2nd, 2015 at 8:48 pm
Can’t claim the guy from SEA, he’s a vested Vet. I hope one of those younger guys can outplay Bowers. It’s time to move on from him.
August 2nd, 2015 at 9:03 pm
I like Spence alot, but him and McDonald split alot of reps. Obviously we like McDonald alot so we’ll get alot more snaps out of him and itll give some youngster a chance to step up….
August 2nd, 2015 at 9:33 pm
We’re in good hands with Bowers and Henry Melton as backups for McCoy and McDonald. Da’Quan will surprise people this season, I doubt if Spence plays this season.
August 2nd, 2015 at 9:59 pm
I think so too LakelandBuc Melton is a beast, and Bowers did well as GMC’s back up last year. Too bad for Spence, I like his size and strength.
August 2nd, 2015 at 10:08 pm
I am from the Florida Panhandle. I remember Spence from Fort Walton Beach High School. I have always been a huge fan. He is very underrated. This is a terrible blow for the Bucs defense. I wish Akeem all the best in a quick recovery and hope that he will return to the team as soon as possible.
August 2nd, 2015 at 10:36 pm
Sad news concerning Spence, hopefully the kid gets well soon.
In the meantime Seattle just released a 6’7 run stopping beast, by the name of Tony McDaniel.
Sign’em Licht
August 2nd, 2015 at 10:46 pm
At least this didn’t happen to a WR, or at some other position with zero depth. But it still sucks, Spence had been progressing well each season.
August 2nd, 2015 at 10:57 pm
I called this a few days back as soon as I heard he was on the PUP list. He loves to lift heavy weights and it was bound to happen. Hopefully he learns from this, heals up well and doesn’t have long term issues.
August 2nd, 2015 at 11:03 pm
LUVMY- Good point on the DT McDaniel.
This is one of the good FA to sign. The only reason for the release was to make room under the cap to sign Wagner and Russel.
August 3rd, 2015 at 12:58 am
this explains the re-signing of Bowers!
August 3rd, 2015 at 3:01 am
I agree BucIt, this is definitely the primary reason Bowers is given one more chance. Hey…. Do something with it! With McCoy, McDonald and now Melton, Bowers needs to just do his job and get ready when his number is called. Hope to get Spence back soon, but this is still a strength position on the team.
August 3rd, 2015 at 9:56 am
This is a month old injury and the fans are just being told the details. I missed this initial post.