CINCINNATI -- Ryan Shazier is regaining some movement in his lower extremities Tuesday morning after suffering a spinal concussion Monday night in a 23-20 win by the Steelers over the Cincinnati Bengals, according to a report from the NFL Network.
Shazier was injured while making a tackle early in the first quarter of the Steelers' game at Paul Brown Stadium and spent several minutes on the ground before being taken off the field on a back board.
He spent the night at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for evaluation. Mike Tomlin, who visited Shazier there with general manager Kevin Colbert and team president Art Rooney II following the game, is expected to have more news regarding his Pro Bowl linebacker at his weekly press conference later today.
Meanwhile, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network tweeted this:
#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
That prognosis is typical for spinal concussions, which are caused by a sudden jolt or shock to the spinal column, which happened on this play.
The Steelers medical staff has some history in dealing with this type of injury. Quarterback Tommy Maddox suffered one in a game at Tennessee in 2002, while Ben Roethlisberger had the same injury at the end of the 2008 season in a game against Cleveland.
Maddox missed one game after regaining feeling in his extremities. Roethlisberger returned the following week to lead the Steelers to a playoff win over San Diego.
The Steelers aren't concerned with when Shazier will return to play, instead focusing on the progress he is making in his recovery.