Veteran offensive lineman Nate Herbig has been dealt a significant blow, suffering a torn rotator cuff during Pittsburgh’s final training camp practice. The 26-year-old, six-year veteran has been placed on season-ending injured reserve, marking a tough start to the season for the Steelers.
Transition Challenges
Herbig’s injury is particularly untimely as he was in the process of transitioning to the center position. With 61 regular-season games and 30 starts under his belt, Herbig's experience was expected to be a cornerstone for Pittsburgh's offensive line, especially as the team gears up for a challenging season. His absence now creates a void that the Steelers need to fill urgently.
Next Man Up
The mantle of starting center will now fall on rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier. Frazier showed glimpses of his potential during his first career start in the preseason loss against the Buffalo Bills, earning the trust and confidence of his teammates and coaching staff.
Quarterback Russell Wilson spoke highly of Frazier’s poise under pressure, stating, "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." This confidence should bode well for Frazier as he steps into a crucial role on the offensive line.
Injury Woes
The Steelers' offensive line has been plagued by injuries, with rookie tackle Troy Fautanu also sidelined for several weeks due to an injury sustained during the preseason-opening loss to the Houston Texans. These setbacks have hampered the line's performance, evidenced by their struggles to provide adequate protection for quarterbacks Wilson and Justin Fields during the initial preseason games.
Potential Starting Lineup
With the regular season fast approaching, the Steelers are likely to field a starting lineup with Frazier at center, Fautanu at tackle upon his return from injury, veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, and second-year tackle Broderick Jones. Additionally, Dan Moore Jr. remains in active competition to retain his spot in the starting lineup.
Monitoring Performance and Health
The Steelers’ coaching staff will continue to closely monitor the health and performance of their offensive line. The pressure is on to ensure that the replacements and backups are up to the task of protecting their quarterbacks and establishing a robust offensive front. The performances in the remaining preseason games will be critical in determining the final lineup that takes the field in the regular season.
As the Steelers navigate through these challenges, the resilience and adaptability of their players will be put to the test. With the right adjustments and some luck on the health front, they can still build a formidable offensive line capable of making an impact this season.