Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier, who continues to recover from a serious spinal injury suffered Dec. 4, and his father told ESPN on Thursday that he is showing "some improvement that is encouraging" and the family continues to rely on its deep faith.

"We're taking it one day at a time," Vernon Shazier said in an interview with the network. "We do not know what tomorrow holds. It's a [daily] journey we don't know. But I know God is getting the message."

Shazier underwent "spinal stabilization surgery" Dec. 6 in Pittsburgh, after being transferred by medivac helicopter from Cincinnati, where he was injured in the Steelers' game against the Bengals.

Shazier made an emotional appearance Sunday at Heinz Field for his team's big game against the Patriots, his first trip out of the hospital since his surgery.​

First game back a Heinz Field. I love the city of Pittsburgh, the my team, and my brother. No… https://t.co/hXNDZilurV — Ryan Shazier (@RyanShazier) December 18, 2017

Vernon Shazier said before his interview with ESPN that he couldn't get into specifics of his son's injury. The Steelers have not elaborated in detail what Shazier's surgery entailed nor about his prognosis.

"We're praying for healing and keeping our mind and faith strong. We know we're in a deep valley, but we do not feel alone," said Vernon Shazier, an NFL chaplain who added: "It's easy to be faithful in a storm, but we're not talking about a drizzle. We're talking about a hurricane, a category 5 [hurricane], lots of metaphors to describe it."

On Tuesday, Shazier was announced as a Pro Bowl representative for his 89 tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles through 12 games and his teammates who've visited him say he's eager to talk football strategy for the Steelers as they look to the playoffs.

Meanwhile, his father says Tuesday's announcement ticks on box for his son.

"Ryan had two goals going into the year — a Pro Bowl and a Super Bowl," Vernon said. "He's been able to check one off the list. He's hoping to check the next one off."

The Steelers' leading tackler, Shazier lowered his head to stop Bengals receiver Josh Malone less than four minutes into the Dec. 4 game. Shazier, in his fourth year from Ohio State, had his hands over his head when carted off the field. Steelers linebacker Vince Williams was in tears kneeling next to Shazier as trainers tended to him.