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Steelers: Shazier Remains Hospitalized, To Undergo Additional Testing In Cincinnati

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA/AP) -- Linebacker Ryan Shazier remains at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center where he will undergo additional testing and evaluation over the next one to two days before he returns to Pittsburgh, the Steelers say.

The full updated statement from Shazier's doctors says:

"Ryan Shazier continues to be hospitalized at UC Health's University of Cincinnati Medical Center and has undergone a series of tests to evaluate his spine injury. He will continue to be monitored and treated by the neurosurgery experts at UC Medical Center until he has been cleared to return to Pittsburgh.

"It is expected that Ryan will undergo additional testing and evaluation over the next 24 to 48 hours, and he will then return to Pittsburgh to receive further evaluation and care at UPMC."

Once back in Pittsburgh, he will be treated at UPMC.

KDKA's Rich Walsh Reports:

 

Shazier tweeted a thank you to fans on Tuesday evening,

Earlier in the day, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin addressed Shazier's condition at his weekly press conference on Tuesday afternoon.

Tomlin offered no update on Shazier's condition or his prognosis, more than 12 hours after the linebacker left on a stretcher in the first quarter of the Steelers' 23-20 victory over Cincinnati after tackling Bengals wide receiver Josh Malone. Shazier underwent a CT scan and an MRI late Monday.

Tomlin did say Shazier is in good spirits as he remains hospitalized in Cincinnati.

"I really have no update in terms of his medical status, other than what was released earlier. I would imagine at the appropriate time those that are responsible for his care will give you a reasonable assessment of where he is," Tomlin said. "It was a tough evening. Ryan's a trooper. I had an opportunity to spend some time with him, and he's in really good spirits. Tough guy. He's got great support from family and loved ones there. It was painful to get on that plane last night."

Tomlin also thanked the emergency crews that tended to Shazier, including the police, paramedics and University of Cincinnati Medical Center personnel.

The team says Shazier will not require surgery "at this time," but Tomlin said he would wait until hearing from the medical team attending to Shazier before releasing more information.

The Steelers released this statement overnight:

It's believed Shazier may have a spinal cord concussion, or contusion. He stayed overnight at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for further evaluations.

Tomlin said that Shazier has challenged his teammates to "move on."

NFL reporter Ian Rapoport said in a tweet Tuesday morning that Shazier was showing "promising signs," but the next few days will be key to his recovery.

Team President Art Rooney II and some other Steelers personnel stayed overnight with Shazier in Cincinnati. His family is also with him.

Tomlin stopped at the hospital before heading back to Pittsburgh with the team.

(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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