When Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier was carted off the field during Monday night’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, it was a scary scene. It seemed that the star defender could not move his legs as a somber mood replaced the earlier enthusiasm in the stadium for the fierce division rivalry.
Shazier left the stadium in an ambulance and was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he underwent an MRI and a CT scan after suffering his back injury in a collision with Cincinnati Bengals receiver Josh Malone early in the first quarter of Pittsburgh’s 23-20 win.
LeadingNFL on Twitter
Ryan Shazier leaves the field in a cart after scary collision vs. Bengals. https://t.co/7BXEgOr9i7
Shazier’s injury will not require surgery at this time the team announced.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to him,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said immediately after the game. “He’s receiving quality medical care. Right now we’re just happy he’s getting the necessary medical attention he deserves. We got a lot of brothers in there who are thoughtful about him, and want to honor that performance for him.”
Tomlin said getting back to football after the injury was difficult.
“We care about that man,” Tomlin said. “That’s a tough element of our game.”
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger echoed those sentiments.
Ian Rapoport on Twitter
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.
“It’s tough, scary, sad,” he said. “Emotions running like crazy. One of our leaders on defense. Scary situation. Thoughts and prayers to his family and [injured Bengals linebacker Vontaze] Burfict and his family. Pray for everyone involved.”
Shazier, a 2014 first-round pick out of Ohio State, has started all 12 games for the Steelers this season.
