Ryan Shazier tweets to fans from Cincinnati hospital
The NFL world watched in horror as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier was carted off of the field during their Monday night game against the division rival Cincinnati Bengals.
There was a period when Shazier’s family and teammates didn’t know the severity of his back injury. All anyone really knew was that he hadn’t moved his legs since sustaining the injury and left the stadium in an ambulance.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was unable to provide much of an update following the game. That left for a long night of speculation, leading many believing the worst.
Nearly 18 hours after Shazier left the field, on Tuesday afternoon the team doctor finally provided the much anticipated news.
Joint statement from Dr. David Okonkwo (UPMC) & Dr. Joseph Cheng (UCMC) on #Steelers LB Ryan Shazier. pic.twitter.com/ou4UkTRvVR
— Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) December 5, 2017
In a statement released by the team shortly after the game, Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said the linebacker underwent a CT scan and an MRI at the hospital and noted he will not need surgery at this time.
For that, at the very least, Shazier is grateful.
He’s also grateful for the outpouring of support he’s received, which he tweeted about late in the day.
Thank you for the prayers. Your support is uplifting to me and my family. #SHALIEVE
— Ryan Shazier (@RyanShazier) December 5, 2017
Shazier will remain under care at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center until a return trip to Pittsburgh is approved by doctors.
There is no timetable for Shazier’s return.
NFL Betting