Pittsburgh Steelers LB Ryan Shazier undergoes spinal surgery

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier underwent spinal stabilization surgery Wednesday night on the heels of the injury he sustained earlier in the week, the team announced Thursday.

"(University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) neurosurgeons and Pittsburgh Steelers team physicians Drs. David Okonkwo and Joseph Maroon performed spinal stabilization surgery on Ryan Shazier to address his spinal injury," the Steelers' statement said.

The team initially said that Shazier, 25, would not require surgery.

The Steelers have not released any information about whether Shazier has any movement in his legs, or whether he is expected to make a recovery.

A Pro Bowl selection last season, Shazier was injured during Monday's 23-20 win versus Cincinnati while making a tackle on Bengals wide receiver Josh Malone with 11:14 remaining in the first quarter. Shazier hit Malone low with his shoulder pads, then immediately reached for his back while his legs remained motionless.

Shazier was transferred from University of Cincinnati Medical Center to the Pittsburgh hospital on Wednesday.

He leads the team in tackles (89), interceptions (three) and pass deflections (11) this season.