Friday 5 January 2018 15:24, UK
One month after suffering a severe spinal injury while making a tackle against the Cincinnati Bengals, Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier is improving and has regained feeling in his legs, according to TV reports in Pittsburgh.
Shazier's father, Vernon, told Pittsburgh's Channel 11 that his son called him on the night of December 4, shortly after being carted off the field in Paul Brown Stadium.
"He said, 'Daddy, pray for me. I can't feel my legs,'" Vernon Shazier said.
Without providing specifics on the 25-year-old's current condition, Vernon Shazier said his son can now feel both legs and is "making progress daily".
"He's a long ways (sic) from where he was on that Monday night when he was laying on the field," he said.
Vernon Shazier declined to answer if his son has walked since the injury, saying Ryan will share "where he is at" when he is ready, but he believes his son will play again.
Ryan Shazier was hospitalised following the hit against the Bengals and underwent surgery to stabilise his spine two days later. He was placed on injured reserve by the Steelers, but attended the team's home games in Weeks 15 and 17.
The fourth-year linebacker was named a Pro Bowl representative this season after posting 89 tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles in 12 games.
