Veteran offensive lineman Nate Herbig's season has come to an abrupt and unfortunate end after suffering a torn rotator cuff during Pittsburgh's final training camp practice. Herbig, who was in the midst of transitioning to the center position, has been placed on season-ending injured reserve. This is a significant setback for the 26-year-old six-year veteran, who has played in 61 regular-season games, including 30 starts.
Next Man Up
With Herbig sidelined, the Steelers are turning to rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier to fill the void at center. Frazier, who showcased his potential with a solid performance during his first career start in a preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills, is now tasked with anchoring the offensive line. The rookie's composure and confidence in the huddle have not gone unnoticed by his teammates.
"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," remarked quarterback Russell Wilson, highlighting Frazier's steady presence under pressure.
Injuries Plague the Offensive Line
Unfortunately, the Steelers are also dealing with another significant injury on their offensive line. Rookie tackle Troy Fautanu was injured during Pittsburgh's preseason-opening loss to the Houston Texans and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks. This compounds the challenges facing the team's offensive line as they prepare for the regular season.
The unit has already struggled in providing adequate protection for quarterbacks Wilson and Justin Fields in their first two preseason games. Head coach Mike Tomlin and the coaching staff will need to find answers quickly to ensure better performance moving forward.
Shuffling the Lineup
The likely starting five for the Steelers once Fautanu returns from injury will include Frazier at center, Fautanu at one tackle position, veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, and second-year tackle Broderick Jones. However, there's ongoing active competition within the roster, as Dan Moore Jr. is vying to retain his spot in the starting lineup.
This level of competition is vital for the Steelers as they seek to build an offensive line that can provide stability and protection for their quarterbacks. The coaching staff will be closely monitoring both the health and performance of their players in the coming weeks.
Preparing for the Regular Season
As the regular season approaches, the Steelers are under significant pressure to solidify their offensive line, which is crucial for the team’s overall success. The health of key players will be a constant concern, and the performance of younger members like Frazier and Fautanu will be scrutinized. The team’s ability to adapt and overcome these early adversities will play a significant role in their pursuit of a successful season.
Herbig's injury is undoubtedly a blow, but the Steelers are determined to regroup and move forward. With rookies stepping up and veterans providing leadership, the team remains focused on the goal of competing at a high level each week.