The Pittsburgh Steelers officially ended Ryan Shazier's season Tuesday, but team president Art Rooney II said that the linebacker "will continue to be one of our team leaders."
Shazier underwent spinal stabilization surgery last week after suffering his injury while making a tackle early in the first quarter against Cincinnati Bengals receiver Josh Malone on Dec. 4.
"Unfortunately Ryan will not be able to contribute on the field during the remainder of this season," Rooney 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."
The linebacker remains hospitalized in Pittsburgh but continues to show gradual improvement from his back injury, people familiar with his condition have told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The Steelers dedicated Sunday's 39-38 victory over the Baltimore Ravens to Shazier and presented the game ball to him in his hospital bed via FaceTime.
Coach Mike Tomlin said after Sunday's win that Shazier's presence is strengthening his team.
"Just his spirit -- I go see him, man, he wants to talk about the game plan," Tomlin said. "He wants to talk about how the guys are doing. He wants to talk specifically about what's transpiring in practice settings and so forth. That's Ryan."
Tomlin said he would address only specific questions about Shazier's injury.
"I'm going to let our statement speak for us in regards to that, regarding his medical status and things of that nature or moods relative to that," Tomlin said. "I just think the cleanest way to continue to address this matter is to do so in a very formal matter. That way, no words are misunderstood or nothing's misleading in terms of our description of where he is."
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler contributed to this report.