Following the tragic but relieving news that Shazier will be alright, but will miss the rest of the season, left the Steelers linebacking core in a challenging situation. During the game that Shazier took the injury, shortly following it, the replacement MLB and special teams captain Tyler Matakevich also left the game with an apparent arm injury. Now, the Steelers look to their bench for help.
The team recently signed their former 2012 draft pick Sean Spence to the team, and split reps between him and Arthur Moats at that spot at practice on wednesday.
Arthur Moats has been a Steeler since 2014 after being drafted by the Bills in 2010. Moats has made a very good name for himself consider the charity work and general good nature that Moats seems to have.
While the reps were split between the two, it seems that Moats may won the battle and will be the starting MLB come this Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens.
It appears that Arthur Moats will replace Ryan Shazier at ILB for Sunday's game against the Ravens. Moats hasn't played ILB since his days in Buffalo. @TheAthleticPIT
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) December 7, 2017
However, through another report, both Spence and Moats may be splitting reps on game day.
DC Keith Butler on Spence, Moats replacing Shazier: “Both those guys might end up sharing the duty, we’ll see what happens.”
— Mike Prisuta (@DVEMike) December 7, 2017
While the loss of Shazier is one that will be sorely felt throughout the defense, there is no doubt that the team can rally behind the new players who are filling in, and the team already has a strong loyalty to Moats. Communication should not be an issue as he is well aware of the defense and the calls, and even played inside linebacker while in Buffalo.
Many fans and analysts alike will be having their eyes glued to the player(s) and seeing if the large shoes of Shazier can be filled. It will most certainly mean a lot for the Steel Curtain defense.
