In a significant blow to the Pittsburgh Steelers, veteran interior offensive lineman Nate Herbig has been placed on season-ending injured reserve following a torn rotator cuff. The injury, which occurred during Pittsburgh's final training camp practice, sidelines Herbig just as he was making strides in transitioning to the center position.
Herbig, a resilient player with six years of NFL experience, has appeared in 61 regular-season games and made 30 starts. At 26 years old, the seasoned lineman was expected to bring stability and a veteran presence to the Steelers' offensive line. However, the unfortunate injury has now opened the door for rookie Zach Frazier, a second-round pick, to step into the crucial role of starting center.
Frazier Steps Up
Frazier showcased his potential during his first career start in a preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills. Despite the team's struggle, his performance was a bright spot, hinting at his readiness to take on greater responsibilities more quickly than anticipated. Reflecting on the challenge of starting a rookie at center, star quarterback Russell Wilson noted, "Anytime you're playing with a rookie center, you're playing with younger players, it's the eye contact in the huddle that you see. Does a guy blink or not? Is he fearful? And he has none of that."
Injuries and Struggles
Frazier's emergence is timely as the Steelers’ offensive line has grappled with injuries and inconsistency. Rookie tackle Troy Fautanu also sustained an injury during Pittsburgh's preseason-opening loss to the Houston Texans, sidelining him for several weeks. These developments have compounded the challenges for an offensive line already under scrutiny for its inability to provide adequate protection for quarterbacks Wilson and Justin Fields during the first two preseason games.
With Frazier now anchoring the center position, the Steelers are working to solidify their starting lineup. The projected starting five, once Fautanu returns, will include Frazier at center, Fautanu at tackle, veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, and second-year tackle Broderick Jones. Despite Fautanu’s absence, the expectation is that he will take over the tackle spot when he returns to full health.
There is also ongoing competition within the unit, with Dan Moore Jr. actively vying to retain his spot in the starting lineup. His efforts and the overall health and performance of the offensive line will be closely monitored as the regular season approaches.
Moving Forward
The loss of Herbig is undoubtedly a setback, but the Steelers are determined to persevere through these challenges. The integration of young talent alongside seasoned veterans will be crucial in navigating the early season obstacles. As the team continues to adjust its strategies and roster, the development and poise of players like Frazier could make a significant difference in the Steelers' pursuit of success this season.
Only time will tell how well the offensive line adapts and whether these internal shifts can bolster the performance needed to protect the team’s quarterbacks and execute effective plays. With the regular season looming, the Steelers' coaching staff will be diligently working to ensure that the line operates cohesively and resiliently in the face of adversity.