Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier (shoulder) has already been ruled out for the Thursday night game against the Baltimore Ravens but it’s looking like the former first round draft pick might be able to return for the team’s Week 5 game against the San Diego Chargers.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Shazier is quickly improving and gaining strength and thus the hope is that he will be able to play next Monday night.
Shazier suffered an injured shoulder late in the second half of the Steelers Week 2 win over the San Francisco 49ers after registering a career-high 15 total tackles. While the initial injury looked like it might only be a stinger, it obviously was more serious in nature.
Shazier was able to practice on a limited basis on Wednesday, according to the Steelers injury report.
During his Monday press conference, head coach Mike Tomlin addressed Shazier’s status.
“Ryan Shazier is still nursing his shoulder and I don’t know what his availability is going to be,” said Tomlin. “As soon as he gets above the line from a strength standpoint, he’ll be allowed to return to participation. He wasn’t there as of the other day. We’ll see where he is as we prepare for this game.”
Shazier only suited up for seven games during his 2014 reason due to knee and ankle injuries.
