General Manager Kevin Colbert said during the NFL Scouting Combine that Ryan Shazier wouldn't play in the 2018 season.
The team made that official today when he was placed on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform List, which means he will not count against the 90-man offseason roster.
Shazier suffered a spinal injury against the Cincinnati Bengals in their Week 13 matchup, and underwent spinal stabilization surgery on December 6.
He has been an inspiration since that day. Shazier has taken a positive approach to his recovery, with milestones along the way, from first coming to Heinz Field for a game, then standing at a Penguins game, and most recently his biggest accomplishment, walking across the stage at the NFL Draft to announce the Steelers No. 1 pick.
"That's a huge lift, for not only him, but for us," said Colbert after watching Shazier walk across the stage. "To see where he's come from to where he is and knowing where he might be able to go, it's beyond inspirational. It's just exciting. It's really exciting for him."
Shazier served as an honorary coach for the Ohio State spring game in April, and has been visible at events throughout Pittsburgh as he goes through his rehabilitation, getting plenty of support from everyone.
"It motivates you when you get the reaction you get from the crowd," said Shazier. "The people at Ohio State loved me before I got hurt. The people at the Steelers loved me before I got hurt. Just the fact that I am going through this, so many people have been reaching out, praying and having their hands of protection around me. It really means a lot."
