Ryan Shazier

LB Ryan Shazier officially retires from the NFL.

Fantasy Impact

Shazier hasn’t played in the NFL since 2017. He was placed on the reserve/retired list during the off-season. Shazier was a two time Pro Bowler and racked up 201 solo tackles, seven sacks, seven interceptions, seven forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries across 46 games during his four-year career with the Steelers.

The Steelers continue to say that there is no timeframe on the return of Ryan Shazier.

Fantasy Impact

Shazier continues to try to return to the NFL following what was thought to be a career-ending injury. While he's made great strides to regain mobility, there's no indication at this point that Shazier will be ready to return to the team in 2020.

Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert announced that LB Ryan Shazier (spine) will miss the entire 2018 season. "Ryan Shazier won’t play in 2018. He knows that and we know that," Colbert said Wednesday.

Fantasy Impact

As expected Shazier will not play in 2018. Although the 25-year-old linebacker vowed to play again, it won't be this year, despite the uplifting news that he began walking again (with assistance) a few weeks back. Since the Steelers' defense clearly struggled since the point Shazier suffered the severe injury that put his career in question -- back in Week 13 -- I believe they will address his void with a veteran addition this offseason.

ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting Pittsburgh Steelers LB Ryan Shazier (spine) has resumed walking.

Fantasy Impact

Per Schefter, Shazier was released from UPMC Rehabilitation Institute on Thursday after regaining the movement in his legs that he lost due to a severe spinal injury suffered in Week 13 against the Bengals and is "engaging in a regular walking routine." However, despite the uplifting news, Schefter is suggesting that the next 3-to-6 months are vital in his recovery and "will provide a significant idea how much more function Shazier can regain." At this point, its a miracle Shazier is walking again, but for his playing future, that remains an uncertainty.

Pittsburgh linebacker Ryan Shazier suffered a back injury during his team's Week 13 game with the Cincinnati Bengals. He had just one tackle before departing.

Fantasy Impact

Shazier hit Josh Malone with the crown of his helmet and instantly went down to the ground holding his back. He was able to move his hands but he wasn't moving his legs as he was carted to the locker room. He was later taken to a local hospital and diagnosed with a spinal contusion. This is considered good news considering how serious back injuries can be and how bad it looked on the field at first.