Steelers' Ryan Shazier "Continues To Improve" After Suffering Back Injury
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CINCINNATI (KDKA) -- A statement from the Pittsburgh Steelers said linebacker Ryan Shazier was improving after he suffered a back injury during their game Monday night.
It was welcome news for many fans and fellow players who offered prayers after Shazier was taken off the field on a cart during the first quarter of the Steelers' game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Shazier was taken to the locker room, and then later to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for further evaluation.
Shazier tweeted a thank you to fans on Tuesday evening,
Thank you for the prayers. Your support is uplifting to me and my family. #SHALIEVE
— Ryan Shazier (@RyanShazier) December 5, 2017
Early Tuesday morning, Steelers General Manager & Vice President Kevin Colbert released a statement, saying Shazier had a CT scan and an MRI. Colbert said it was determined that the injury will not require immediate surgery.
Statement by #Steelers GM/VP Kevin Colbert on LB Ryan Shazier pic.twitter.com/WEp6wktNCu
— Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) December 5, 2017
Colbert said Shazier continues to improve. It's believed he may have a spinal cord concussion. Shazier stayed overnight at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for further evaluations, and hopefully, will return to Pittsburgh sometime on Tuesday.
NFL reporter Ian Rapoport said in a tweet Tuesday morning that Shazier was showing "promising signs," but the next few days will be key to his recovery.
#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
Team President Art Rooney II and some other Steelers personnel stayed overnight with Shazier in Cincinnati. Head coach Mike Tomlin stopped at the hospital before heading back to Pittsburgh with the team.
RELATED: Twitter Flooded With Well Wishes For Steelers' Ryan Shazier
Shazier was injured while attempting to tackle a player. He fell to the ground after he appeared to hit his head. He appeared to grab his lower back after the hit and did not get back up.
Ryan Shazier seemed to jam his neck on tackle. In lots of pain. #PITvsCIN
— Bob Pompeani (@KDPomp) December 5, 2017
Many took to social media to offer their thoughts and prayers, including the Steelers' next opponents -- the Baltimore Ravens.
Our thoughts and prayers are with @Steelers LB Ryan Shazier.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 5, 2017
Sending our thoughts and prayers to @RyanShazier, his family, the @steelers, and our Pittsburgh sports family. We're all behind you. https://t.co/yRZ0oAnCeq
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 5, 2017
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