Ryan Shazier Placed on Steelers' Reserve/Retired List to Ensure Place with Team

The Pittsburgh Steelers placed linebacker Ryan Shazier on the reserve/retired list Tuesday, general manager Kevin Colbert announced. 

"Ryan's placement on the Reserve/Retired List serves as a matter of protocol to ensure his continued inclusion within our organization moving forward in his professional career," Colbert said in a statement.

Shazier, 27, spent the last two seasons on the reserve/physically unable to perform list after suffering a spinal injury in a December 2017 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He underwent spinal stabilization surgery and has spent the last two years in rehabilitation, slowly working to regain full mobility in his legs.

The Steelers have kept him on their roster so that he could continue being around team facilities during his recovery. Shazier has also been a consistent fixture on the sidelines and was awarded the Ed Block Courage Award in 2018.

While Shazier has publicly said on several occasions that he wants to play football again, his move to the retired list makes it likely he's acknowledged his career is over. It's unclear if Shazier will be taking another role in the Steelers organization for the 2020 season, and it's worth noting he has not officially announced his retirement from football.

Shazier made two Pro Bowls (2016, 2017) and started 41 games during his four-year career before the injury.