Pittsburgh Steelers rookie linebacker Ryan Shazier failed to make his NFL debut Saturday night in the preseason opener against the New York Giants but it looks like the Ohio State product will be able to play this coming weekend when the team host the Buffalo Bills Saturday night at Heinz Field.
Shazier, who according to Chris Bradford of the Beaver County Times is wearing a “fancy band-aid” on his “little boo-boo”, told the media Monday afternoon that he expects to play Saturday night but doesn’t know when he’ll be able to return to practice this week.
Shazier hurt his knee late in practice a week ago Sunday and hasn’t practiced since. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin won’t elaborate on what exactly is ailing the team’s first-round draft pick as he continues to refer to the injury as a boo-boo.
With Shazier sidelined Saturday night, third-year linebacker Sean Spence started in his place and played well. It was Spence’s first game back since suffering a serious knee injury nearly two full years ago.
Shazier sporting fancy band-aid on his "little boo-boo." None like I've ever seen.
— Chris Bradford (@BCTBradford) August 11, 2014
Ryan Shazier said he expects to play Saturday night. He's not sure when he will practice this week.
— Scott Brown (@ScottBrown_ESPN) August 11, 2014
