Sean Spence Injury: Updates on Steelers LB's Hamstring and Return

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Sean Spence was forced to leave the team's Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots after suffering a hamstring injury in the second half. He will be active against the 49ers on Sunday, according to Bob Labriola of Steelers.com.

The linebacker did not return to the game after suffering his injury in the opener. Spence didn't record a tackle prior to departing.

The 25-year-old has a lengthy and gruesome injury history, one that involves a near-catastrophic knee injury. During the 2012 preseason, Spence tore all three ligaments in his knee and suffered "extensive nerve damage," according to the Associated Press (h/t ESPN.com).

The 2012 third-round pick out of Miami (Florida) went on to miss the 2012 and 2013 seasons, but he made a triumphant return to the field for the 2014 campaign.

Appearing in all 16 games—including nine starts—Spence tallied 34 solo tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery in a rotational role.

The Steelers have stellar starting talent at inside linebacker, with Ryan Shazier and Lawrence Timmons manning the middle, but the team's depth will see a boost with Spence in the fold.