Steelers GM Kevin Colbert confirms Ryan Shazier will be on roster in 2019 but won’t play

The Pittsburgh Steelers have stood by linebacker Ryan Shazier during his recovery from the devastating spinal injury suffered against the Cincinnati Bengals back in December 2017. Shazier is about to become an unrestricted free agent, and the Steelers have to find a way to keep him on the roster. According to general manager Kevin Colbert, Shazier will be on the team; it’s just a matter of sorting out the details.

Kevin Colbert said the team is awaiting word on RuanShaziers contract situation but said he will. E part of the roster in 2019. He said there’s an understanding that Shazier won’t be playing in 2019.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) February 27, 2019

Shazier was paid $8.7 million in 2018, but the team is still awaiting clarification as to how his contract will look for this season. They might be able to lock him in for the season without hitting the cap too hard.

Shazier spent time last season working with the scouting department and continuing his rehab. The hope is that even if Shazier can never return to football, he will remain with the Steelers in some capacity for the rest of his career.