Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier has already accomplished so much in the two months since he suffered a severe back and spine injury against the Cincinnati Bengals. 10 days after the injury, he underwent surgery to stabilize his spine and to help with neurological recovery. Shazier was seemingly unable to move his legs upon impact.
There are still questions about if he'll ever play again, but he has made incredible progress with his recovery. Shazier was discharged from a rehabilitation center last Thursday, and while he clarified an ESPN report stating that he's walking again, he is partaking in rehabilitative walking with the assistance of a walker and other people.
Regardless of where Shazier is at with his recovery over the coming months, Steelers owner Art Rooney II told reporters on Wednesday that the linebacker will have a role with the team in 2018, in some capacity.
From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette:
“I expect Ryan is going to be here one way or the other and have a role with the team one way or the other in 2018, for sure,” Rooney said.
What that role is remains to be seen, but really, that doesn't matter. What matters is that Shazier is still a part of the Steelers organization and will continue to be regardless of whether he's able to take the field as a player again.
Down the stretch of the season and into the playoffs, Shazier attended practices to support his teammates and offer tips to the defense as their captain. He was spotted in a suite for their home games, and just a couple days ago he received a standing ovation when he stood up at a Pittsburgh Penguins game.
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