Ryan Shazier Injury: Updates on Steelers LB's Knee and Return

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier suffered an injury to his right knee against the Washington Redskins on Sept. 12. However, he is ready to return.

Continue for updates.

---

Shazier Active vs. Bengals

Sunday, Sept. 18 

The Steelers announced Shazier is ready to play against Cincinnati in Week 2.

---

Shazier Comments on Playing Status

Thursday, Sept. 15

Shazier discussed his status for Week 2, per Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

"

I think coach [Mike Tomlin] will let you know what the doctor said, but my knee is feeling a lot better and I feel like I should be ready to go. I felt good out there, just knocking off some rust. ...

I want to be out there for every game, but this is an AFC North team, a rivalry game and we’re trying to set the tone. It’s day to day. We’ll see how it goes. I plan on playing.

"

---

Latest on Shazier's Practice Status 

Thursday, Sept. 15

Shazier was a limited participant in practice on Sept. 15, per Fittipaldo. 

---

Shazier Undergoing Testing

Tuesday, Sept. 13

Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reported that the Steelers are awaiting test results on Shazier's knee and hope the linebacker is day-to-day.

---

Shazier Comments on Injury

Monday, Sept. 12

Shazier said his knee is fine and he was taken out of the game as a precaution, according to Chris Bradford of the Beaver County Times.

---

Shazier Has Emerged as Essential Piece of Steelers Defense

Shazier, 24, was excellent for Pittsburgh in 2015, accumulating 87 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception in just 12 games. He's already established himself as an impact linebacker and one of the league's most promising young players at the position.

He played a crucial part in Pittsburgh's fifth-ranked run defense in 2015, helping the unit hold opponents to 19.9 points per game. That average ranked 11th in the NFL.

Injuries have become a troubling storyline, however, costing him 11 games over his first two seasons. (In his rookie campaign, he notched 36 tackles in nine games.) Keeping him on the field was a major priority for the Steelers this season, though that plan has already taken a hit. 

If Shazier misses any time later in the season, Vince Williams will likely slide into the starting lineup. He registered 46 tackles for the team last year and is a solid backup, though he doesn't provide the same impact Shazier brings to the table.

You can follow Timothy Rapp on Twitter.