Father of Steelers star Shazier says injured LB is improving

By AP
Published

PITTSBURGH (AP) The father of Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier says his son has made significant progress since suffering a spinal injury in Cincinnati last month.

Vernon Shazier told WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh that his is ''a long ways from where he was on that Monday night when he was lying on the field.'' Ryan Shazier left the first quarter of Pittsburgh's victory over the Bengals on Dec. 4 with a spinal injury. He underwent spinal stabilization surgery on Dec. 6. The extent of his injury has not been disclosed, though Vernon Shazier said Ryan has some feeling in his legs.

Vernon Shazier said the family has decided to keep the details of Ryan's injury private until he is ready to discuss it. Ryan has made two appearances at Heinz Field in recent weeks for the playoff-bound Steelers.

When asked if he believes his son will play football game, Vernon Shazier said yes.

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