Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier was placed on a backboard and carted off the field at Paul Brown Stadium early in the first quarter of Monday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
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The Steelers' leading tackler lowered his head to stop Bengals receiver Josh Malone less than four minutes into the game.
Shazier 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.
Shazier was moving his arms and hands, but there was concern because of minimal movement in his legs.
The Steelers did not immediately provide a status for Shazier, but did confirm a back injury.
After a brief evaluation in the locker room, Shazier was transported to a nearby hospital.
UPDATE: #50 Ryan Shazier has been taken to the hospital for further evaluation on his back.
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 5, 2017
He will not return to tonight’s game & there will be no further updates at this time.