It has been three days since Ryan Shazier was carted off after suffering a scary spinal injury. After being transported to a Pittsburgh area hospital, Thursday, Shazier had spinal stabilizing surgery and will miss the rest of the season.
Statement from UPMC Neurosurgeons & #Steelers Team Physicians on Ryan Shazier pic.twitter.com/nE7xgsx7Tx
— Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) December 7, 2017
The months ahead present a great sense of uncertainty surrounding Shazier. He will be facing a lengthy process to regain full strength before considering a return to football related activities.
#Steelers LB Ryan Shazier’s spinal surgery will necessitate months of recovery, sources say, before he considers a return to football. His season is over. A very difficult situation.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 7, 2017
ESPN’s Michele Steele spoke with a neurologist who did not project an optimistic reality for Shazier.
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 (@MicheleSteele) December 7, 2017
Our prayers are with Ryan Shazier during this uncertain time.