While the Steelers are preparing to host the Jaguars on Sunday in a playoff game, on Wednesday they had a much more welcome guest: Ryan Shazier. Pittsburgh’s injured linebacker was on hand for a team practice for the first time since undergoing spinal stabilization surgery over a month ago.

Shazier, who has attended a Steelers game and visited the team’s facility, took to social media to celebrate being “finally able to make it to practice with my teammates.” In an Instagram post, Shazier described Wednesday as “a first down” and promised that the “touchdown is going to come.”

“So I’m working harder than I ever have to get back,” Shazier said. “I’ve been making strides over the past month and continue to make progress. Taking it day-by-day, but I’m far from done.”

I want to thank the Lord for the first downs that he has been allowing me to achieve. The touchdown is going to come in his timing, but today was a first down. I was finally able to make it to practice with my teammates. It’s great to be back for practices and meetings. Just to be able to feel a part of it means the world. So I’m working harder than I ever have to get back. Ive been making strides over the past month and continue to make progress. Taking it day-by-day, but I’m far from done. The Lord has not finished his work yet. I want to say thank you to the fans and Steelers Nation for the prayers. If it wasn’t for my family, friends and your prayers I wouldn’t be were I am now. They have lifted me and my family through this journey and I ask for you to continue praying for me, as I continue to work daily on improving my health. #Shalieve#Steelers#prayfor50

A post shared by Ryan Shazier (@shazier) on

Details of Shazier’s condition have been relatively scant following his injury in a Dec. 4 game against the Bengals and surgery two days later. He faces a lengthy period of physical rehabilitation with no guarantee that he will ever play football again, but teammates have said they would be thrilled to simply see him walk again.

Earlier this month, Shazier’s father said he thought the linebacker would eventually be back on the field, and he revealed that his son had regained feeling in his legs. The appearance at practice was not just uplifting for Shazier but for other Steelers players, as well.

“It was awesome to see him,” guard Ramon Foster said (via the AP). “Everybody is worried but him, and it proves that he’s as strong as it gets.”

“It’s amazing to see and just to have the attitude he has after all he’s been through man, it’s pretty impressive,” said guard David DeCastro. “I don’t know if I’d be able to do the same.”

Shazier’s presence around the Steelers isn’t just good for morale, though — he is helping his teammates get ready to take on Jacksonville, with a trip to the AFC championship game at stake. The two-time Pro Bowl selection is reportedly putting his four years of NFL experience to good use by breaking down game film.

“He was the quarterback of the defense,” said linebacker Bud Dupree. “He was the person who knew things were coming before the play was snapped. He helps us out a lot too, even while he is in the hospital.”

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