CINCINNATI — Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier has been hospitalized after hurting his back and being carted off the field early in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night.
Shazier tackled receiver Josh Malone in the legs, fell to the ground and grabbed the middle of his back. The 25-year-old was strapped to a backboard as a precaution and carted off the field. He was moving his arms on the field. The Steelers announced it was a back injury, and ESPN said on the broadcast that Shazier was taken to a hospital.
It’s a significant setback for one of the NFL’s top defenses. The Pro Bowler leads the team in tackles and has three interceptions.