Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier taken to hospital after terrifying head-first hit to an opponent

• Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier was carted off the field and later hospitalized on Monday after making a head-first tackle.

• Shazier stayed on the ground, holding his back and head.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier was carted off the field and hospitalized Monday after a scary hit vs. the Cincinnati Bengals.

In the first quarter, Shazier tackled Bengals receiver Josh Malone and hit him head first. Shazier immediately stayed down on the ground, writhing, grabbing both his back and his head. He was eventually carted off the field.

Here's ESPN's replay of the hit in which the announcers noted that Shazier had not been moving his legs after the hit:

ESPN reported after the game that Shazier had an MRI exam and CT scan and was not expected to need surgery. The team hopes he can leave the hospital by Tuesday.

Steelers linebacker Vince Williams told ESPN that he was near Shazier after the hit and that Shazier told him he had feeling in his lower extremities, which was one of the biggest concerns.

Several in the NFL world shared their sentiments for Shazier afterward, including the Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens.

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