Ryan Shazier visits team facility prior to the Steelers’ trip to Houston

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for their Week-16 trip to Houston to play the Texans, and they received a special guest after their final practice on Saturday when Ryan Shazier visited the team facility.

It wasn’t reported whether this was Shazier’s first time in the facility, but Jacob Klinger of PennLive reported Shazier was in a wheelchair when he visited the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

Ryan Shazier was seen in a wheelchair at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Saturday.

The Steelers inside linebacker rolled through the lobby at the team facility and smiled as he greeted team staff. Defensive teammates came downstairs to greet him. He was joined by his fiance and Le'Veon Bell, who was holding Shazier's puppy, in an elevator.

Pittsburgh had just finished practice and was set to wrap up its last meetings on the team's final, full-practice day before facing the Houston Texans in a 4:30 p.m. kickoff on Christmas Day.

Shazier's use of a wheelchair was not previously known publicly.

Although the actual progress of Shazier’s rehab isn’t officially known (the Steelers have left any further updates to UPMC), the injured Pro Bowler is at least getting out of the hospital more than he was previously.

Shazier was present during the Steelers’ Week-15 game vs. the Patriots at Heinz Field, and obviously was there to talk with teammates after practice on Saturday. Any speculation regarding him using a wheelchair or being out of the hospital is a dangerous practice in my opinion. Rather, it’s just good to see Shazier out of the hospital, which has to be great for his personal morale and that of his teammates who’ve been worried about his well-being.

Stay tuned to BTSC as more information on Shazier’s injury continues to be released by credible sources.