'He may not play football again': Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier undergoes spinal surgery after a gruesome tackle left him without movement in his legs
- Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier tackled Cincinnati Bengals receiver Josh Malone on Monday, leaving his spine injured and legs motionless
- The 25-year-old was strapped to a backboard and taken off to the hospital
- Doctors originally believed surgery was avoidable but he underwent a spinal stabilazation operation on Wednesday after being flow back from Cincinnati
- Dr. Anthony Alessi, a neurologist who consults with the NFL Players Association but who has not examined Shazier: 'We're not going to see him this season. He may not play football again. This is a much more severe situation on our hands'
- Shazier's fiancée, Michelle Rodriguez: 'Please EVERYONE continue to pray for the Lords healing of Ryan. God bless everyone for the continued support'
Ryan Shazier had spinal stabilization surgery on Wednesday, the Steelers announced Thursday afternoon
After some initial encouragement in the days after Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier was left motionless on the field with an injured back in Cincinnati on Monday night, doctors performed spinal stabilization surgery Wednesday, the team announced Thursday afternoon.
His prognosis may have taken a turn for the worse.
According to Dr. Anthony Alessi, a neurologist who consults with the NFL Players Association but who has not examined Shazier, his condition is 'not good.'
'We're not going to see him this season,' Alessi told ESPN's Michele Steele. 'He may not play football again. This is a much more severe situation on our hands than we thought.'
A spinal stabilization surgery is performed when the bones surrounding a person's spinal cord are dislocated, Alessi told Steele.
Shazier's condition was said to be improving despite the fact that he was left motionless on the ground Monday night after tackling Bengals wide receiver Josh Malone
Doctors performed spinal stabilization surgery on Ryan Shazier Wednesday
'Please EVERYONE continue to pray for the Lords healing of Ryan,' Shazier's fiancée, Michelle Rodriguez, wrote on Instagram. 'God bless everyone for the continued support and love for our family at this time. We thank you so much!'
On Tuesday afternoon, Shazier's condition was said to be improving despite the fact that he was left motionless on the ground Monday night after tackling Bengals wide receiver Josh Malone. The 25-year-old was strapped to a backboard and taken off, although he was able to move his arms.
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'Ryan Shazier suffered a back injury and was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center where he had a CT scan and an MRI to evaluate the condition of his back,' read a statement from Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert on Tuesday.
'Ryan's injury will not require surgery at this time, and he continues to improve,' the statement continued. 'He will stay overnight to continue evaluations with the hopes of returning to Pittsburgh on Tuesday. We will provide further updates at the appropriate time.'
As ESPN's Michele Steele tweeted, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert visited Shazier at the hospital after the game. Owner Art Rooney II was also attended
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier (pictured) tackled Cincinnati Bengals receiver Josh Malone on Monday. Shazier suffered a spinal injury and was unable to move his legs
Shazier did not return to Pittsburgh until Wednesday, when a helicopter brought him to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for surgery.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was said to look distraught as doctors told him of Shazier's condition. He went from the stadium to the hospital to visit Shazier along with team owner Art Rooney II after Pittsburgh's 23-20 win.
The Pro Bowler from Ohio State leads the team in tackles with 87, two forced fumbles and has three interceptions.
Linebacker Tyler Matakevich filled in for Shazier for the remainder of the game.
And while many on the Steelers's team looked distraught by the injuries, many other players from the league took to social media to lend their support to the athlete.
Baltimore Raven's Tony Jefferson said: 'Wow prayers to shazier never wanna see that. Lord please look over him right now.'
'Prayers out for Shazier.. never like to see that playing this game,' said Atlanta safety Keanu Neal.
It was a sentiment shared by Dallas Cowboy's Ryan Switzer, who added: 'Gosh that's scary. Covering Shazier in prayer right now.'
'Prayers for Ryan Shazier that looked pretty scary,' said Seattle Seahawk tackle Duane Brown.
A tweet from the Baltimore Ravens said: 'Our thoughts and prayers are with @Steelers LB Ryan Shazier.'
'Please EVERYONE continue to pray for the Lords healing of Ryan,' Shazier's fiancée, Michelle Rodriguez, wrote on Instagram. 'God bless everyone for the continued support and love for our family at this time. We thank you so much!'
Baltimore Raven's Tony Jefferson said: 'Wow prayers to shazier never wanna see that. Lord please look over him right now'
'Prayers out for Shazier.. never like to see that playing this game,' said Atlanta safety Keanu Neal
It was a sentiment shared by Dallas Cowboy's Ryan Switzer, who added: 'Gosh that’s scary. Covering Shazier in prayer right now'
'Prayers for Ryan Shazier that looked pretty scary,' said Seattle Seahawk tackle Duane Brown
A tweet from the Baltimore Ravens said: 'Our thoughts and prayers are with @Steelers LB Ryan Shazier'
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