Injured Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier ‘continues to improve’ in Cincinnati hospital

Shazier had a CT scan and MRI at University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

The plan is for Shazier to stay in Cincinnati overnight “with the hopes of returning to Pittsburgh on Tuesday.”

Shazier, 25, is in his fourth season out of Ohio State.

INITIAL REPORT

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier left Monday night’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals on a cart after suffering an injury in the first quarter on Monday night’s game at Paul Brown Stadium.

Shazier hit Bengals wide receiver Josh Malone with the crown of his helmet and immediately grabbed for his back. Shazier was placed on a backboard then left the field on a cart.

Shazier was transported to University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

"He's one of the leaders of that defense," Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger told ESPN after the game, a 23-20 Pittsburgh win. "Prayers and thoughts with everyone that got hurt. I know there's a lot of worried people out there."