The Pittsburgh Steelers remain committed to supporting Ryan Shazier as he recovers from the traumatic back injury that took him out of the game in 2017.
On Tuesday, the team announced it is tolling Shazier’s contract for the 2019 season. This means he’ll remain on Pittsburgh’s roster this coming season, to later be placed on the team’s Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform List.
“We will continue to support Ryan’s efforts to return to play,” said General Manager Kevin Colbert. “Although he won’t be able to help us on the field in 2019, his leadership, insight, and emotional support have always been very valuable to us, and we look forward to his contributions in our pursuit of a championship.”
As a result of this move, Shazier will be “paid a salary commensurate with his years of service in the NFL, he will continue to accrue seasons toward his NFL players’ pension, and his medical insurance plan will be the same coverage that all active NFL players receive.”
Shazier has made consistent positive strides in his recovery but seemingly is a long ways off from his goal of returning to the gridiron and playing for his Steelers.