Spaeth on IR/Designated to Return

Steelers placed TE Matt Spaeth (foot surgery) on injured reserve/designated to return.He'll be eligible to return in Week 9 against the Patriots. If all goes according to plan for the Steelers, Spaeth will be returning to a reserve role behind Heath Miller. Going on 30, Spaeth has just 49 career receptions. Sep 3 - 4:20 PM
Source: Mark Kaboly on Twitter

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4206/matt-spaeth

This seems silly to me to use it on this guy.

 

The way we use tight ends - at least two almost every play no matter how terrible they are and no matter how good the talent on the bench is - he's essentially a starter. And given the blocking capabilities of the guys he'll be replacing when he comes back, he's an important one. To me it's like using it on a 3rd WR or nickel back. Sure if Ben comes down with an exactly 10 week long injury Sunday we'll look stupid, but frankly the timing has to be just right for the designation to work at all, and it's right with Spaeth.

 

I posted this on another thread. Totally agree.

 

TE blocking in the ZBS is crucial. having spaeth down the stretch in that capacity is what we are looking at.

palmer has gotten better each week he's been here, so i'm hoping that keeps up with him. he could quietly become the make it or break it guy on the field early in the season for us. he very well could ease our need for spaeth by then.