Ryan Shazier Waves Terrible Towel During Ovation at Patriots vs. Steelers

Sunday's clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots will go a long way toward determining the No. 1 seed in the AFC, but football took a momentary backseat at Heinz Field when linebacker Ryan Shazier was seen in a box:

He waved the famous Steelers terrible towel to the fans, who showed their appreciation with a raucous ovation.

Shazier underwent spinal surgery after he was carted off the field during Pittsburgh's Week 13 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals and will not return to the field this season.

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center updated Shazier's status Thursday, noting he started physical rehabilitation following the spinal stabilization surgery.

Michele Steele of ESPN previously spoke with neurologist Dr. Anthony Alessi, who suggested Shazier's football career could be over after the injury.

Pittsburgh players honored their teammate as they clinched the AFC North title against the Baltimore Ravens in their previous game. Edward Lewis of NFL.com detailed how they did so, noting linebacker James Harrison warmed up without a shirt like Shazier always does, while a number of players brought out his jersey before the game or wore cleats with his image and No. 50 on them.