Steelers’ Ryan Shazier needed spinal surgery
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier had spinal surgery this week, and it remains unclear whether he will play football again.
The Steelers play on Sunday night against the Baltimore Ravens in a game that features both bitter rivals and a pair of likely playoff teams. Yet nobody is talking about the contest, because in Pittsburgh, everyone is thinking about Ryan Shazier.
Shazier, 25, was injured on Monday night in a game with the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium during the first half. On Thursday, Shazier underwent spinal surgery at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center to stabilize the area.
#Steelers LB Ryan Shazier’s spinal surgery will necessitate months of recovery, sources say, before he considers a return to football. His season is over. A very difficult situation.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 7, 2017
Spinal surgery for Steelers’ LB Ryan Shazier: https://t.co/TIIkJ9ubnP
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 7, 2017
Alessi says surgery is needed when the "bones around his spinal cord are dislocated. This is a more severe injury (than a contusion.)"
— Michele Steele (@MicheleSteele) December 7, 2017
"This is a much more severe situation on our hands than we thought."
Alessi is affiliated w uconn and runs the NeuroSport program - he does NOT have access to Shazier's records. Per the original tweet, this is his opinion as a neurologist.
— Michele Steele (@MicheleSteele) December 7, 2017
On the play in question, the Pro Bowler attempted to make a tackle and made contact with the crown of his helmet, dropping him onto the field. Once there, Shazier grabbed the lower portion of his back and never moved his legs before being put on a stretcher and taken off the field.
Shazier spent two nights in a Cincinnati trauma center before being transported to Pittsburgh, where he remains in medical care.
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It remains unclear whether Shazier can move his legs or if he will be able to move them in the future. His football future, although far less important at this juncture, also remains in doubt as his road to recovery begins.
With Shazier on the field, the Steelers will try to clinch the AFC North this weekend with a win over the Ravens. Pittsburgh has not won the Super Bowl since 2008, beating the Arizona Cardinals.