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

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier will undergo minor knee surgery in the offseason after his team's divisional-round loss to the Denver Broncos.

Continue for updates.

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Shazier to Have Knee Scoped

Wednesday, Jan. 20

Dale Lolley of the Observer-Reporter noted that Shazier is one of four Steelers players set to undergo minor surgery this offseason.

As a second-year linebacker, Shazier trailed only Lawrence Timmons for the team lead in tackles, with a total of 87 this season. What's particularly impressive about that is that he missed Weeks 3 through 6 with a shoulder injury and amassed that total in just 12 games. 

Shazier possesses great athleticism for a linebacker and is relentless when it comes to chasing the ball. At 6'1" and 230 pounds, he is willing to take on blockers, receivers and backs of any size. And most of the time, he comes out on top.

It's not just his stellar play that makes him such a valuable member of the Steelers defense, though. Pittsburgh defensive coordinator Keith Butler pointed out Shazier's ability to communicate with his teammates as a vital asset to the team, via Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot. 

"When you have communication on defense, somebody's involved with the front for us," Butler said. "It's Ryan Shazier. I've always said you have to have a loudmouth up front  and a loudmouth in the back."

Shazier's injury shouldn't impact next season, so the team's only hope will be that he can get back to training sooner rather than later. 

Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com.