Veteran interior offensive lineman Nate Herbig’s season has come to an untimely end due to a torn rotator cuff. The injury, which occurred during Pittsburgh's final training camp practice, has resulted in Herbig being placed on season-ending injured reserve. This unfortunate development disrupts the plans the Steelers had to transition Herbig, a seasoned six-year veteran, to the center position, a role he had embraced this offseason.
Herbig, who has appeared in 61 regular-season games and made 30 starts over his career, was expected to be a stabilizing force in the middle of Pittsburgh’s offensive line. His absence is a significant blow, especially considering the adjustments the Steelers were making to bolster protection for their quarterbacks this year.
Rookie to Step Up
With Herbig sidelined, rookie Zach Frazier, a second-round draft pick, will now step into the starting center role. Frazier showcased his potential during his first career start in a preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills. His performance turned heads, including that of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, who noted the composure the young player exhibited under pressure. "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," Wilson commented, reflecting confidence in Frazier’s abilities.
Frazier’s promotion signals a trial by fire for the rookie, as the Steelers' offensive line faces critical evaluation periods during the remaining preseason games and the lead-up to the regular season. The team’s immediate focus will be ensuring that Frazier rapidly gels with his new responsibilities and maintains the unit's cohesion.
Challenges for the Offensive Line
The Steelers' offensive line has faced significant scrutiny in the preseason. In the first two games, the line struggled to provide adequate protection for their quarterbacks, including Wilson and Justin Fields. This has highlighted serious concerns that need addressing to ensure the offense can perform effectively.
Adding to the offensive line woes is the injury to rookie tackle Troy Fautanu, who sustained an injury during Pittsburgh's preseason-opening loss to the Houston Texans. Fautanu is expected to be sidelined for several weeks, further complicating the Steelers' plans to solidify their offensive front.
In Fautanu’s absence, the likely starting lineup will see Frazier at center, veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo anchoring the inside, and second-year tackle Broderick Jones taking up a spot on the exterior. Fautanu is expected to reclaim his role once he returns from injury, but until then, the Steelers will need to make do with the available personnel. Dan Moore Jr. remains in active competition for a starting position, adding another layer of intrigue to the team’s evolving lineup.
Looking Forward
As the regular season approaches, the Steelers will be closely monitoring the health and performance of their offensive line. Every snap and every play in the preseason will be critical for assessing the readiness and resilience of the players. The coaching staff will undoubtedly employ various strategies to mitigate the impact of these injuries while harnessing the youthful energy and talent that players like Frazier bring to the table.
The reality of sporting competition is that attritional battles, like the one Pittsburgh’s offensive line currently faces, are part and parcel of the game. How the Steelers adapt and overcome these challenges will be indicative of their broader season ambitions. The eyes of Pittsburgh loyalists and NFL analysts alike will be fixated on how this reconstructed line takes shape in the coming weeks.
Despite the obstacles, the Steelers are poised to navigate through these turbulent times with the resilience characteristic of this storied franchise. The journey ahead will not be easy, but with emerging talents taking the stage alongside seasoned veterans, the narrative of Pittsburgh’s season remains wide open, filled with promise and uncertainty in equal measure.