Steelers’ Ryan Shazier makes first appearance at practice after horrific spinal injury

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier made an appearance at team practice Wednesday in his first appearance at the team facility since suffering a spinal contusion on Dec. 4.

Shazier posted a photo of himself in a wheelchair inside the team’s practice facility and thanked fans for their prayers and kindness since his injury.

“I want to thank the Lord for the first downs that he has been allowing me to achieve. The touchdown is going to come in his timing, but today was a first down,” Shazier wrote in part. “I was finally able to make it to practice with my teammates. It’s great to be back for practices and meetings. Just to be able to feel a part of it means the world. So I’m working harder than I ever have to get back... “If it wasn’t for my family, friends and your prayers I wouldn’t be were I am now. They have lifted me and my family through this journey and I ask for you to continue praying for me, as I continue to work daily on improving my health.”