The Pittsburgh Steelers endured their fair share of obstacles during the 2017 season. One of them was the career-threatening injury to linebacker Ryan Shazier.

Due to the severity of Shazier's injury, a return in the 2018 NFL season does not seem likely. As a result, the Steelers have placed him on the PUP list for now, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter:

Steelers placed LB Ryan Shazier on Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform List, which means he will not count against 90-man offseason roster.

Shazier suffered the initial injury during the Steelers' Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in early December. Although he was ruled out for the year soon thereafter, it was safe to assume that he would be out much longer.

Fortunately, Shazier has made tremendous progress in his recovery since then. He recently gave fans an update on his health after walking on his own two feet to announce the Steelers' pick at the 2018 NFL Draft. Needless to say, it was as inspiring and uplifting a moment as any on draft day. However, it is clear that Shazier still has a long way to go.

Despite the circumstances, the two-time Pro Bowler has been adamant about making his eventual return. It seems Pittsburgh is willing to help him achieve that goal in any way they can after their decision to keep him around the team in any way possible. Shazier was in the midst of his best season yet when the injury occurred. Although his return may seem like a bit of a longshot, it would not be wise to count a player like him out just yet.