Spence Back On The Roster
October 24th, 2015
There’s little public knowledge of the summer back surgery had by defensive tackle Akeem Spence (three sacks in 2014), but what Spence was a full-go at practice Wednesday and was activated today.
The Bucs cut current third-string center Jeremiah Warren, a preseason hero, to make room.
That move signals Evan Smith can play tomorrow. It’s expected that Smith, returning from an ankle injury, will be the backup center in Washington.
Spence, a 2013 fourth-round pick, is a favorite of the Lovie Smith regime. They like his development, and Spence was a good fit as a rotational guy and spot starter in Lovie’s defense last year.
Joe expects Spence to play tomorrow, even if it’s just four or five snaps.
If he is indeed healthy, that gives the Bucs options to trade a defensive tackle by the Nov. 3 trade deadline. Veteran summer pick-up Tony McDaniel, a 2013 and 2014 starter for the Seahawks, would be a candidate.
UPDATE: On his Instagram account, Spence wrote he will be “back in action” tomorrow.
October 24th, 2015 at 6:19 pm
Welcome back, Akeem!
October 24th, 2015 at 6:35 pm
Now we can go undefeated
October 24th, 2015 at 6:49 pm
I really like that Akeem Spence will be activated for tomorrows game. With Tony McDaniel out with a groin injury, Spence should get the snaps McDaniel was getting. McDaniel had 10 snaps in both the Jaguar and Carolina games then had 33 snaps in the Houston game. McDaniel has been no where to be found all year so bringing in Spence will be a nice change for the Redskins to have to deal with. Spence will help defend in both the run game and pressure on the QB. He can take on some double teams as well. With two weeks to rest and prepare for Washington and the return of Johnthan Banks, the defense should be ready to step up and control Kirk Cousins and the Redskin offense.
October 24th, 2015 at 7:38 pm
ANYBODY ELSE THINK THIS IS A STUPID MOVE given that Fragel isn’t playing this week because of concussion protocol?? What happens if Hawley gets hurt, we go back to Mr. Limpwrist Evan Smith who isn’t even 100%!!?? Meanwhile the only other center who’s starter worthy and has actual chemistry with #3 just got released…Makes no sense to have not waived Fragel who won’t even be playing over Warren.
October 24th, 2015 at 7:40 pm
Really glad Spence is healthy. He is a big strong dude and great against the run. I like him a bit more than McDonald as a run stuffer. Not sure if he will be out there much this week coming back from injury but we will see. It’s good timing being Washington will try to run all day. Remember when our D was #1 against the run he was in the middle on most of the plays clogging it up. I’m not sure if that tilt nose scheme was a result but he is a great tackler. Go Bucs!
October 24th, 2015 at 8:52 pm
Spence will not be much of a factor in this game but it’s good that he is back. It’s going to be several weeks before he gets his conditioning back. If he gets it back at all this year. He’s been down all year with back surgery. I still think the Bucs defense will be successful against the Skins offense, oh wait I forgot we have Jennings and Jenkins playing corner for the Bucs. Cousins will look like the second coming of Joe Montana against the Bucs secondary. Johnthan Banks better play or the Bucs are going struggle even against mediocre teams. I still think the Bucs can and should win this game. They are coming off the bye. If Lovie doesn’t shit the bed, the Bucs win this game.
October 24th, 2015 at 9:32 pm
Can we send Warren to the practice squad?
October 24th, 2015 at 10:49 pm
No this isnt stupid. What would be stupid is having 3 centers on your team and only 3 OTs. Fragel sees a lot of action as an eligible lineman. Do you not watch bucs games?
And yes warren is practice squad eligible.
October 25th, 2015 at 6:55 am
Good to see a fellow partaker in the forbidden erb get back in the line up.
October 25th, 2015 at 10:02 am
Spence is from my hometown. He’s a great kid and has a great family. I am rooting for Akeem!
October 25th, 2015 at 12:29 pm
I like Akeem Spence. I don’t think he’s a starter yet, but he is a solid backup when healthy.
Getting rid of Tony might be a mistake if it happens. He’s experienced depth.
October 25th, 2015 at 1:27 pm
Tony has been- one the top 5 runstoppers in the league the last couple of years.
He got here late, getting use to Tampa vs Seattle is an adjustment. But work the dude into the line-up. Because historically, Nov-Dec are grind months in the NFL-so you need all the runstoppers you can get.
And Tony McDaniel is one of the best