During the Pittsburgh Steelers-Cincinnati Bengals tilt Monday night, Pittsburgh linebacker Ryan Shazier was carted off the field after a back injury left him motionless on the field.
ESPN's Michele Steeler spoke with a neurologist associated with the NFLPA and the prognosis is not good at all.
Just got off phone w neurologist Dr Anthony Alessi, who consults w NFLPA, asked him what he makes of Shazier's spinal stabilization surgery. "It's not good...We're not going to see him this season. He may not play football again."
— Michele Steele (@ESPNMichele) 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.)"
"This is a much more severe situation on our hands than we thought."
— Michele Steele (@ESPNMichele) December 7, 2017
Shazier suffered the injury after attempting a tackle on Cincinnati's Josh Malone. Shazier went to the ground immediately after the tackle attemp, clutching his back and signaling that something had gone terribly wrong.
On Tuesday, an update emerged on Shazier's health, as the NFL's Ian Rapoport said that Shazier had shown "promising signs" with his back injury, and that Shazier had "some movement" in his lower extremities.
#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
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin also released a statement on Tuesday, saying that there was no significant update on Shazier, but that Shazier was "in good spirits".
Mike Tomlin: "It was a tough evening. Ryan is a trooper. I had an opportunity to spend some time with him and he’s in good spirits. Tough guy.”
— Lauren Kirschman (@laurenkirschman) December 5, 2017
However, if Steele's neurologist source is to be believed, then it looks like any potential for a return to the field this season or ever is severely in question.
Shazier — the No. 15 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft — is a former Pro Bowler, notching 204 tackles, 7.0 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and seven interceptions over four seasons with 40 starts and 45 total games played.
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