Ryan Shazier injury update: Showing promise, movement in lower extremities
Following a scary hit on Monday night, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier is showing promise and movement in his lower extremities.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier had to be carted off the field on Monday night. Shazier was strapped to a stretcher and carted off after a scary collision with Cincinnati Bengals receiver Josh Malone. Although few updates have been given, a positive report surfaced on Tuesday morning about Shazier’s condition.
Shazier has limited movement in his legs, which is a great sign.
#Steelers LB Ryan Shazier has shown promising signs this morning. I’m told he has some movement in his lower extremities after last night’s back injury, but the next 24-48 hours are key for increased improvement.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 5, 2017
During the hit, Shazier’s helmet made contact with Malone’s thigh and Shazier immediately went down. Further, he hit the ground and immediately grabbed his back. Even though his upper body was moving, there was no movement in his lower body. Because it was a back/head injury, it was a scary site. Following the hit, Shazier was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. There, he underwent a CT Scan and MRI on his back. Luckily, he continues to improve. According to Steelers GM/VP Kevin Colbert, Shazier does not need surgery.
The team returned home last night following a 23-20 come from behind win over the Bengals on Monday Night Football. Although the Steelers erased a 17-point deficit to win, the focus remained on Shazier. Shazier remained in Cincinnati overnight. The team hopes Shazier can return to Pittsburgh on Tuesday but are unsure at this time.
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The next one-to-two days are critical to Shazier’s recovery. Whether or not he returns to Pittsburgh today is yet to be known. However, it’s unlikely due to the fragile state he’s reportedly in currently. The Steelers are set to continue giving updates on Shazier’s condition via social media. Mike Tomlin has a press conference set for noon ET on Tuesday, as well. There, Tomlin will likely give further updates on the 25-year-old’s condition.