Earlier today on Super Bowl Sunday, it was widely reported that Pittsburgh Steelers star linebacker Ryan Shazier had regained enough strength and was able to walk again just two months after his spinal injury.

However, according to a regular contact of Shazier and a report passed along by Michelle Tafoya of NBC, the 25-year-old linebacker is still not quite that far in his rehabilitation yet.

“I just spoke with someone who is in regular contact with Shazier and who spoke with Shazier this morning,” Tafoya tweeted on Sunday afternoon. “I was told Shazier wants to clarify the report. Although he does have movement in his legs, he is not walking on his own. Shazier needs assistance from a walker or other people to support him in his rehabiliation walking, which remains a struggle.”

According to a report released by ESPN's Adm Schefter this morning, it was originally thought that Shazier was released from the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute on Thursday, had made incredible progress and was back to a regular walking routine.

“The next three to six months are critical in his recovery and will provide a significant idea how much more function Shazier can regain,” Schefter wrote. “But for now, the fact that he is out of the hospital and moving his legs and walking is a positive sign.”

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Nihad Zunic ·

Unfortunately, Shazier still has a very tough battle ahead of him in his recovery. Hopefully, there will be more many more positive updates about his condition over the next few months. Before his tragic injury, Shazier made 89 tackles, had three interceptions and made 11 pass deflections in 12 games this season.

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