Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier took another positive step in his recovery from a spinal injury, per NFL.com. According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Shazier has started his rehab after undergoing spinal stabilization surgery last week. Shazier suffered the spinal injury after his head collided with the thigh of Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Josh Malone as he was trying to tackle him. Shazier remained on the ground for several minutes while he was being attended to by medical staff. Shazier was then placed on a backboard and carted off the field before he was brought to a Cincinnati-area hospital.
Two days after, Shazier was moved to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where he underwent surgery. According to Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, Shazier joined the team’s celebration via Facetime after the Steelers clinched their second straight AFC North title with a 39-38 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. “He (Shazier) had an opportunity to share that moment with the team. That's a special thing," coach Mike Tomlin said after the game.
Luck to return next season
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network Insider, Indianapolis Colts team owner Jim Irsay issued an update on Andrew Luck’s injury during the Winter League Meeting. Irsay said Luck is doing great and is in line to return next season.
The team owner said they didn’t find out anything ominous regarding his shoulder and there has not been any unusual setbacks during his recovery, meaning he could return to the field next season. “He's still in Europe but he's coming home very shortly,” Irsay told Rapoport. “No additional surgery at this point planned.”
Without Luck, the Colts turned to Jacoby Brissett to run their offense.
While Brissett has been impressive, the Colts faltered to a 3-10 record heading into their Thursday clash with the Denver Broncos. The Colts are expected to beef up their offensive line in the offseason in preparation for Luck’s return. This season, the Colts’ offensive line gave up a league-worst 52 sacks.
Saints rusher to play in Week 15
The New Orleans Saints will have rookie running back Alvin Kamara when they take on the New York Jets in Week 15. The Saints lost to the Atlanta Falcons, 20-17, as they played much of the game without their rookie sensation, who suffered a concussion. Without Kamara, the Saints were limited to just 50 rushing yards against the Falcons. Saints head coach Sean Payton announced that Kamara is good to go, giving them an additional boost as they try to break out of a tie with the Falcons in the NFC South. The Saints and Falcons both have 9-4 records.
