Steelers activate Matt Spaeth before critical showdown with Miami

The signing of tight end Matt Spaeth gave reason for optimism among Steelers fans back in March, when the team brought him back on a two-year deal. In his time away from the team that drafted him, Spaeth improved his in-line blocking skill to the point he was considered one of the best blocking tight ends in the league.

Spaeth went down with a foot injury midway through training camp, and was eventually placed on the team's IR-Recall list.

It took until the eve before the team's 13th game of the season for him to be recalled.

The Steelers activated Spaeth Saturday as they prepare to host the Miami Dolphins in an AFC matchup with looming playoff implications.

To make room, the Steelers released Richard Gordon, who has only been known to activated list aficionados all season.

If Spaeth can perform at a reasonable level, it may give them confidence they can attack out of a two tight end set - something that hasn't really worked all year. Their running game ranks 31st in the NFL with less than 77 yards per game.

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