Steelers Place LB Ryan Shazier On Injured Reserve

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Tuesday that they’ve placed LB Ryan Shazier on injured reserve.

“Unfortunately Ryan will not be able to contribute on the field during the remainder of this season,” said Steelers President Art Rooney II. “However, even off the field Ryan will continue to be one of our team leaders. We know his spirit and positive outlook will help him to continue his recovery, as well as serve as an inspiration to our team.”

Adam Schefter of ESPN, citing people familiar with his condition, reported over the weekend that Shazier continues to show gradual improvement from his back injury he suffered during last week’s game against the Bengals.

Even so, Shazier remains hospitalized in Pittsburgh and doctors are controlling and limiting his movement as they wait for the swelling and bruising in his back to subside, according to Schefter.

As of now, Schefter says it would be premature to say whether Shazier will play football again and everyone’s current focus remains on doing everything they can to facilitate his recovery.

Shazier underwent spinal stabilization surgery last week and there hasn’t been any further update regarding Shazier’s condition since the Steelers made that announcement on Thursday.

During last Monday night’s game, Shazier lowered his head to make a tackle on Bengals WR Josh Malone when his head made contact with Malone’s thigh. Shazer dropped to the turf and it was clear that his lower extremities weren’t functioning after the hit.

The Steelers medical staff loaded him on to a backboard and carted him off of the field before immediately taking him to a local hospital.

Shazier, 25, is a former first-round pick of the Steelers back in 2014. He was in the final year of his four-year, $9.5 million contract and set to make a base salary of $1,284,292 for the 2016 season when the Steelers picked up his fifth-year option this past May.

Shazier will earn an $8.718 million salary for the 2017 season, which is guaranteed for injury only.

In 2017, Shazier has appeared in 11 games and recorded 87 tackles, three interceptions, a fumble recovery, two forced fumbles and 10 pass defenses. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 8 inside linebacker out of 87 qualifying players.