Post-Gazette reporter Gerry Dulac tweeted Friday linebacker Sean Spence appears to be on the road to recovery, and adds some fuel to speculation that Larry Foote was released because Spence will be able to compete for a starting position in training camp.

Steelers linebacker Sean Spence is "significantly ahead" in his rehabilitation efforts from a devastating 2012 knee injury, according to Post-Gazette reporter Sean Spence.

Spence suffered a major knee injury at the end of the preseason in 2012, and has not appeared in a game yet since the Steelers selected him in the third round of that year's draft.

It's easy to speculate at this point Spence's condition could have led the Steelers to decide to release veteran linebacker Larry Foote, but considering nerve damage was involved, and Spence's attempt to get back on the active roster last year after spending the first three months of the season on the PUP list failed, his ability to compete in training camp should be considered a blessing, not an expectation.

If he can, though, he can expect to compete with second-year LB Vince Williams for playing time alongside Lawrence Timmons, and whatever may come out of the draft and free agency.