On Monday, the Pittsburgh Steelers traveled to Cincinnati Ohio to take on their divisional rivals Cincinnati Bengals. During the game, a scary moment happened close to the end of the game.
During a defensive play, linebacker Ryan Shazier was attempting to tackle Cincinnati Bengals Josh Malone. As Shazier was tackling, Ryans’ head hit Malone’s Thigh and slammed the ground. Afer several minutes of not moving, the Bengals medical team came out with a backboard and brace. Shazier was transported to a local Cincinnati area hospital.
On Tuesday, he was transported to a hospital in Pittsburgh where he would have surgery on his spine the next day.
Statement on #Steelers LB Ryan Shazier (Wednesday, Dec. 6): pic.twitter.com/7AVSzXMksr
— Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) December 6, 2017
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On Burt Lustins’ twitter account, he posted an update from Shazier’s medical team.
Statement from UPMC Neurosurgeons & #Steelers Team Physicians on Ryan Shazier pic.twitter.com/nE7xgsx7Tx
— Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) December 7, 2017
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While in the hospital, Shazier had some special visitors come see him. President of the Pittsburgh Steelers Art Rooney II, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, and General Manager Kevin Colbert.
In 2014, Ryan Shazier was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 15th overall pick. In his three years with the team, he has 208 tackles, 7.0 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, 3 recovered fumbles, and 7 interceptions.
Also, there are reports that this critical injury might be career-ending. He may not be able to move his legs again or if he can, won’t be able to play football ever again. In the Steelers locker room, the team is optimistic and worried. Here at Sports Rants Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ryan Shazier and his family and friends who are faced with this at this time.