Akeem Spence injury: Buccaneers defensive tackle out for monts

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have to be without Akeem Spence for months, if he can be believed. The defensive tackle told the Tampa Bay Times that he's "probably a couple more months away," after having back surgery last month. He sustained the injury while lifting weights.

Spence is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform list, which means the Bucs could keep him on that list into the season without him taking up a roster spot. That would keep him out of action for at least the first six games of the regular season, though.

With Spence out, the re-signing of Da'Quan Bowers makes a little more sense as well. The Bucs like to have a full stock of defensive tackles, and with Gerald McCoy, Henry Melton and Clinton McDonald on the roster, Bowers could hold the fort until Spence is recovered -- or even longer, if Bowers plays well enough. Defensive ends William Gholston and George Johnson also have some experience moving inside and playing defensive tackle if necessary.