There is some confusion as to the exact nature of Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier’s injury, but it appears he has escaped the worst-case scenario of permanent paralysis.

The first news update after Monday night’s game was positive.

Some good news coming out from Steelers. Two players called Shazier's injury a spinal chord concussion, comparable to Tommy Maddox injury in 2002; Maddox missed 1 game. Encouraging news, another said. — Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) December 5, 2017

A short while later, however, NFL.com reported that it was a spinal cord contusion.


There is a significant difference between a spinal cord concussion and a spinal cord contusion.

A spinal cord concussion would be the better news, as we said in a post earlier Monday.

A contusion implies actual bruising (bleeding or other damage). A concussion can leave no MRI-detectable damage.

Let’s hope for concussion, not contusion.


The swelling involved is key. Shazier will be immobilized and on anti-inflammatory, steroid medication.

He is certainly not out of the woods yet.

Statement by #Steelers GM/VP Kevin Colbert on LB Ryan Shazier pic.twitter.com/WEp6wktNCu — Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) December 5, 2017

No surgery means there is no unstable spine fracture or anything pressing on the spinal cord.


Shazier will still need a battery of tests on the spinal canal bones, discs and ligaments, as well as measurement of the room the spinal cord has. There are several hurdles before he can play, but for now let’s rejoice at the news of what seems to be the best-case scenario.

It is way too early to tell (or care) about Shazier’s career.

We can at least be optimistic at this point that he will walk again.

If it is a spinal cord concussion, he is truly fortunate.


When a player isn’t moving his legs or having feeling in the lower extremities, it is not often that spinal cord concussion is the reason. The chances of this are like that of completing a hail Mary pass – not zero, but not expected.