Ryan Shazier attends Pittsburgh Steelers practice in wheelchair after spine injury

Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl linebacker Ryan Shazier has attended practice for the first time since injuring his spine against Cincinnati last month.

Shazier posted a photo on social media on Wednesday afternoon from the team's indoor training facility as Pittsburgh prepared to host the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC divisional round of the NFL playoffs.

Shazier, who underwent spine stabilisation surgery on December 6, is pictured in a wheelchair wearing a Steelers jacket.

The full extent of Shazier's injury has not been released. He called his visit to the facility "a first down" in his recovery.

Shazier says he has been "making strides" over the past month but added he is "far from done". The 25-year-old says he is "working harder than ever" to get back.

The Steelers have paid tribute to Shazier by wearing customized No 50 shirts and boots. He was able to watch the team's regular-season game against the Patriots in Week 15 from a suite at Heinz Field.

"You have to treat every game like it could be your last because you never know when it is." said quarterback Ben Roethlisberger at a news conference earlier in the day.

"We saw an example obviously earlier this season with Ryan [Shazier]."

"You never know when it could be your last. I'm hoping it's not his last, but you have to go out and play every play and enjoy every play and every game like it could be your last."

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The winner of Sunday's game will advance to the AFC Championship game to play either the New England Patriots or the Tennessee Titans.