The Pittsburgh Steelers today officially placed linebacker Ryan Shazier on injured reserve.

Shazier underwent spinal stabilization surgery on December 6th in Pittsburgh.

“Unfortunately Ryan will not be able to contribute on the field during the remainder of this season,” said Steelers President Art Rooney II said in a statement. “However, even off the field Ryan will continue to be one of our team leaders. We know his spirit and positive outlook will help him to continue in his recovery, as well as serve as an inspiration to our team.”

Without Shazier for the rest of the season, head coach Mike Tomlin indicated again today it will be a committee of three players trying to replace Shazier, which is quite the undertaking to fill the shoes of a player that talented.

Meanwhile, with the Steelers in position to clinch home-field with a win vs the Patriots combined with a loss/tie by Jacksonville, No. 1 cornerback Joe Haden is pushing to return Sunday and is a possibility to play depending on how things go for him throughout the week

“We’re getting back [hide] into the phase of things where it’s time to have a Joe Haden discussion,” Tomlin said. “He’s worked hard and has done some good things. He’ll be on the practice field in some form or fashion this week. The amount he’s on the practice field will be determined by what he does when he gets out there and obviously the quality of it. It’s something that bears watching day-to-day.”

[/hide]