Veteran interior offensive lineman Nate Herbig's season has come to an abrupt and unfortunate end after suffering a torn rotator cuff. The injury took place during Pittsburgh's final training camp practice, and as a result, Herbig has been placed on season-ending injured reserve. This sudden turn of events shakes up the Steelers' plans, especially considering Herbig, at 26 years old, was transitioning to the center position for his sixth season in the NFL.
A Troubled Offensive Line
Herbig's career includes playing in 61 regular-season games, with 30 starts under his belt. His experience was expected to be a cornerstone for Pittsburgh's offensive line this season. Unfortunately, the Steelers now find themselves in a precarious situation, not just with Herbig's injury but also with rookie tackle Troy Fautanu, who will be sidelined for a few weeks due to an injury sustained during Pittsburgh's preseason-opening loss to the Houston Texans.
Next Man Up
In the wake of Herbig's absence, rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier is set to take on the starting center role. Frazier has shown great potential, particularly highlighted during his first career start in a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. The Steelers are hopeful that Frazier can bring stability to a line that has struggled to provide adequate protection for quarterbacks Wilson and Justin Fields during the preseason.
Russell Wilson’s confidence in Frazier is evident. "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, suggesting Frazier's poise under pressure will be crucial as he steps into this significant role.
The Likely Lineup
As the regular season approaches, the anticipated starting offensive line for the Steelers will likely feature Frazier at center, veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, and the second-year tackle Broderick Jones. Once he returns from injury, Fautanu is expected to reclaim his position at tackle. Meanwhile, Dan Moore Jr. is in a competitive battle to secure his spot in the starting lineup, adding another layer of complexity to the line's configuration.
The Steelers' coaching staff will need to closely monitor both the health and performance of their offensive line as these adjustments take shape. The string of injuries has undoubtedly compounded their challenges, making the cohesion and reliability of this unit even more critical as Pittsburgh prepares for the upcoming season. The hope is that despite these setbacks, the blend of rookies and veterans can come together to form a resilient front for their offense.
In the NFL, it's often said that success starts in the trenches. For the Steelers, this axiom has never been more pertinent. The health and development of their offensive line will be pivotal in determining their effectiveness on the field in the months ahead.