How the Pittsburgh Steelers need to handle life without Ryan Shazier

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CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 04: Ryan Shazier #50 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts as he is carted off the field after a injury against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 4, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images) /

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a serious issue this offseason; figuring out life without Ryan Shazier.

Ryan Shazier has been a key piece on the Pittsburgh Steelers defense for the last four seasons. In 2018 he was the unquestioned leader of the defense, and one of the top inside linebackers in football.

After suffering an injury in Week 13 we are left questioning whether or not he will ever play football again. At this point it is hard to imagine a complete recovery.

We do not even know if he will want to continue playing after such a scary injury. Right now, his quality of life, and recovery should be the focus rather than his football career.

Unfortunately, the NFL is a tough business, and one that won’t stop for one person. Although I assume most Steelers fans like myself don’t want to think about replacing someone like Shazier, I am sure the organization is already contemplating ways to soften the blow next year.

There are several options the Steelers could look at throughout the offseason. That’s if the team doesn’t have faith in third year linebacker Tyler Matakevich to step into a starting role.

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