Steelers LB Ryan Shazier Won't Need Surgery After Back Injury

Ryan Shazier did not move his legs after being injured while making a tackle.

Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier won’t need surgery after a frightening injury on Monday night, the team announced. 

Shazier was taken off the field on a stretcher after being injured while trying to make a tackle on Bengals receiver Josh Malone. Shazier’s teammates were visibly shaken, many of them with tears in their eyes. He immediately grabbed his lower back, rolled over, and did not appear to move his legs after the hit.​

Ryan Shazier leaves the field in a cart after scary collision vs. Bengals.https://t.co/7BXEgOr9i7

— LeadingNFL (@LeadingNFL) December 5, 2017

Shazier taken to University of Cincinnati Trauma Center, a Level I trauma center, where he was diagnosed with a spinal contusion. 

The team announced Shazier's injury won't require surgery at this time, and he stayed overnight in Cincinnati for more evaluation. He may be able to return to Pittsburgh on Tuesday. He has regained “some movement in his lower extremities,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports. 

"Right now we're just happy he's getting the necessary medical attention he deserves," Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said. "We got a lot of brothers in there who are thoughtful about him, and want to honor that performance for him."

The injury elicited an outpouring of support for Shazier from players around the league.

Prayers up for @RyanShazier 🙏🏾

— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) December 5, 2017

Just got on my knees and said a prayer for Ryan Shazier and his family. God please lift him up we trust in you always lord.

— Jonas Gray (@JonasLGray) December 5, 2017

Everyone please pray for @RyanShazier and his loved ones! Can’t imagine what they’re going through right now. 🙏🏾

— Golden Tate (@ShowtimeTate) December 5, 2017

Shazier, a 2014 first-round pick out of Ohio State, has started all 12 games for the Steelers this season.