Reports of Ryan Shazier’s progress should brighten the day for Steelers fans

Super Bowl Sunday is a sad day for 30 NFL fan bases, and the Pittsburgh Steelers fan base is certainly one of those wondering “what if”. But if there was any way the mood of the black-and-gold faithful would turn from sour to happy, it would be due to news of continued progress for injured linebacker Ryan Shazier.

If the update of his discharge from UPMC, and the images showing him standing with teammate Ben Roethlisberger weren’t enough to put a smile on fans’ faces, the good news keeps coming.

On Super Bowl Sunday morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter gave a more in-depth report on Shazier’s overall progress.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier, who was discharged from the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute on Thursday, has regained movement in his legs and is engaging in a regular walking routine, according to sources.

”He’s making incredible progress,” said one source familiar with Shazier’s recovery.

Shazier underwent spinal stabilization surgery Dec. 6 after suffering a major injury on a routine tackle against the Bengals two days earlier.

The next three to six months are critical in his recovery and will provide a significant idea how much more function Shazier can regain. But for now, the fact that he is out of the hospital and moving his legs and walking is a positive sign.

As we always say here, football is completely secondary in this situation. Him regaining full movement and being able to live a full, and normal, life is the ultimate goal. If he is able to defy all the odds and make his way back to the gridiron, what a tremendous story that would be, but, in the meantime, fans just want Shazier back to regular health.

The rest would just be icing on the cake. Just keep the good news coming for No. 50 while we all continue to SHALIEVE!