Steelers' Ryan Shazier officially out for the season

PITTSBURGH — Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier is officially out for the season, according to a release by the team. Shazier was placed on injured reserve Tuesday following his spine injury.

“Unfortunately, Ryan will not be able to contribute on the field during the remainder of this season,” Steelers President Art Rooney II said in a news release. “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 in his recovery, as well as serve as an inspiration to our team.”

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Shazier injured his spine while making a tackle in the game against the Cincinnati Bengals Dec. 4. He underwent spinal stabilization surgery Dec. 6 and remains in the hospital.

The team has not provided an update on his condition.

Steelers players and fans have been showing their support for Shazier and his family in many ways. The team carried his jersey onto the field before their game against the Ravens Sunday and some players wore cleats with #Shalieve on them.

After the game, the players talked to Shazier via FaceTime.

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During his news conference Tuesday, Coach Mike Tomlin said Shazier’s optimism is contagious.

“Just his spirit,” Tomlin said. “I go see him and he wants to talk about the game plan. You know, he wants to talk about how the guys are doing. He wants to talk specifically about what’s transpiring in practice settings and so forth. That’s Ryan.”

Shazier has also been an inspiration to his teammates.

“Going and seeing him uplifted my spirits and made me feel so much better about Ryan, Just hugging him and things like that. So, I expressed that to the guys and everybody that I’ve talked to has said the exact same thing,” said quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Cox Media Group