CINCINNATI -- Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier underwent surgery in Pittsburgh Wednesday night to stabilize his injured spine, doctors said in a statement Thursday.
The statement otherwise made no mention about Shazier's condition two days after he was hurt in Monday night's game against the Bengals. Shazier was moved from University of Cincinnati Medical Center to a University of Pittsburgh Medical Center facility earlier Wednesday.
The one-sentence statement read:
"Last night UMPC neurosurgeons and Pittsburgh Steelers team physicians Drs. David Okonkwo and Joseph Maroon performed spinal stabilization surgery on Ryan Shazier to address his spinal injury."
The Steelers announced Shazier's move to Pittsburgh Wednesday and said he would "continue tests and evaluations before his medical team provides any further updates on his condition. .We again want to thank the doctors and staff at UC ... for the excellent care Ryan received."
Shazier's legs went limp after making a head-first tackle on wide receiver Josh Malone. Shazier tackled Malone in the legs, fell to the ground and grabbed the middle of his back. The 25-year-old was moving his arms on the field before he was carted off the field.
Shazier offered his only public comment Tuesday evening.
"Thank you for the prayers," he tweeted. "Your support is uplifting to me and my family. #SHALIEVE"
Thank you for the prayers. Your support is uplifting to me and my family. #SHALIEVE
— Ryan Shazier (@RyanShazier) December 5, 2017
The news that Shazier required surgery may have dispelled the hope in previous reports about his condition.
Shazier showed promising signs and had some movement in his lower extremities, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday morning. Rapoport cited a source informed of the player's status.
#Steelers LB Ryan Shazier has shown promising signs this morning. I’m told he has some movement in his lower extremities after last night’s back injury, but the next 24-48 hours are key for increased improvement.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 5, 2017
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said on his weekly radio spot on 93.7 The Fan that he heard "encouraging things" but that Shazier was "not out of the woods."
The Steelers issued a statement Tuesday that Shazier would not require surgery and might return to Pittsburgh within the day.
The Steelers sent a private plane to pick up Shazier's parents and fly them to Cincinnati to be with their son.
A very cool gesture. https://t.co/NafLVLtwM4
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 5, 2017
After the game, Bengals QB Andy Dalton joined some of Shazier's teammates to pray for him.
Bengals QB Andy Dalton stayed on the field after tonight's loss to pray for Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier. pic.twitter.com/NBeWO2bukV
— Sporting News (@sportingnews) December 5, 2017
Roethlisberger and receiver Antonio Brown asked fans to pray, too.
Prayers and love to @RyanShazier and his family! Praying God's healing hand on him! Love you 50, Get better soon! -- Ben.
— BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) December 5, 2017
Prayers for my brother @RyanShazier 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/6ylTOFKypW
— Antonio Brown (@AB84) December 5, 2017
Tomlin, Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert and team president Art Rooney II visited Shazier before heading back to Pittsburgh. Tomlin called their conversation "normal" and said Shazier was concerned about the well-being of the rest of the team.
"It was painful to get on that plane last night, but that's life," Tomlin said. "We realize and understand he's in really good hands and is getting expert medical care. He challenged us to move on with what we need to move on with.
"This is a tough game, a tough business," Tomlin said. "5-0 is our brother. Our thoughts and prayers out to him. ... We care about that man, we care about all the men. But that's just a tough element of our game, one that we all understand."
Shazier's injury is a significant setback for one of the NFL’s top defenses. The Pro Bowler from Ohio State leads the team in tackles and has three interceptions.
