The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line has been dealt a significant blow as veteran interior offensive lineman Nate Herbig has suffered a torn rotator cuff. The severity of the injury has led to Herbig being placed on season-ending injured reserve, leaving a gap in the roster just as the regular season looms on the horizon.
Herbig sustained the injury during Pittsburgh's final training camp practice, a blow to a player who was in the midst of transitioning to the center position. At just 26 years old, Herbig has accrued six years of experience in the league, playing in 61 regular-season games and making 30 starts. His presence on the field and his veteran leadership will be sorely missed.
New Blood Stepping Up
In light of Herbig's injury, the Steelers are turning to rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier to fill the void at center. Frazier has shown promise, having already showcased his potential during his first career start in a preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills. Despite the loss, Frazier's performance provided a silver lining, highlighting his readiness to step up when needed.
"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," stated quarterback Russell Wilson, expressing confidence in Frazier's calm and composed demeanor on the field.
Injuries Continue to Plague the Line
Herbig's injury isn't the only one impacting the Steelers' offensive line. Rookie tackle Troy Fautanu sustained an injury during Pittsburgh's preseason-opening loss to the Houston Texans and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks. These injuries have exacerbated an already challenging situation for an offensive line that has struggled to provide adequate protection for quarterbacks Wilson and Justin Fields during the team's first two preseason games.
Lineup Adjustments
With these developments, the Steelers' likely starting offensive line will see Frazier at center, with Fautanu expected to reclaim his position at tackle once he recovers. Veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo will provide experience on the interior, while second-year tackle Broderick Jones rounds out the group. Additionally, Dan Moore Jr. is actively competing to retain his spot in the starting lineup, adding another layer of intrigue to the team's preparation for the upcoming season.
Challenges Ahead
The Steelers' coaching staff will continue to monitor the health and performance of the offensive line as the regular season approaches. The frequent adjustments and the need for younger players to step up quickly will be pivotal in determining how well the team can protect its quarterbacks and establish the ground game. The ability to adapt and develop chemistry will be crucial for the line's success.
As Pittsburgh navigates these setbacks, the resilience and readiness of players like Zach Frazier will be key. The transition from a veteran like Herbig to a rookie carries its challenges, but Frazier has shown he possesses the composure and talent to seize this opportunity. The coming weeks will reveal how well the Steelers can weather these changes and position themselves for a successful season.