Injured Shazier inspires Steelers

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl linebacker Ryan Shazier won’t play again this season.

Yet he remains very much a part of the team even after injuring his spine against Cincinnati last month.

Shazier attended practice on Wednesday for the first time since undergoing spine stabilization surgery on Dec. 6. He showed up in a wheelchair, wearing sweatpants and a Steelers jacket — a visit that gave his teammates a needed jolt.

“It was awesome to see him,” guard Ramon Foster said. “Everybody is worried but him, and it proves that he’s as strong as it gets.”

The extent of Shazier’s injury has not been released. In an Instagram post, he said his visit to the facility was “a first down” in his recovery. Shazier wrote he has been “making strides” over the past month, but added that he is “far from done.” The 25-yearold says he is “working harder than ever” to get back.

The Steelers will play host to the Jaguars on Sunday, and the winner will advance to the National Football League’s American Football Conference title game. Shazier is helping his team prepare. Defensive end Cam Heyward said Shazier is helping break down film like a scout, an extension of his role as the defensive play caller.

Updates on Shazier’s condition have been sparse, but his father, Vernon, said in a TV interview last week that he believes Shazier will play again. Not that it matters to his teammates. For now, Shazier’s presence is merely enough.

“It’s amazing to see and just to have the attitude he has after all he’s been through man, it’s pretty impressive,” guard David DeCastro. “I don’t know if I’d be able to do the same.”