Nate Herbig's Season-Ending Injury Leaves Steelers in a Bind
The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line took a significant blow as veteran interior lineman Nate Herbig suffered a torn rotator cuff during the team's final training camp practice. The 26-year-old six-year veteran has been placed on season-ending injured reserve, abruptly halting his transition to the center position. Herbig's experience will be sorely missed, considering his extensive resume of playing in 61 regular-season games, including 30 starts.
The Next Man Up: Zach Frazier
In Herbig's absence, rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier is set to assume the starting center position. Frazier, who showcased his potential during his first career start in a preseason loss against the Buffalo Bills, now faces the daunting task of anchoring the Steelers' offensive line. Despite his inexperience, Frazier has displayed remarkable poise. Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson noted, "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."
Frazier's quick adaptation to the center role will be crucial, given Herbig's intended leadership and understanding of the position. The rookie's performance will be closely monitored as he strives to protect quarterbacks Wilson and Justin Fields, who have struggled to find adequate protection during the first two preseason games.
Injury Woes Continue: Troy Fautanu
Compounding the Steelers' challenges, rookie tackle Troy Fautanu sustained an injury during Pittsburgh's preseason-opening loss to the Houston Texans. Fautanu is expected to be sidelined for several weeks, adding more pressure on the team's already beleaguered offensive line.
As the regular season approaches, the Steelers' coaching staff must now revamp their line-up, with the likely starting five to include Frazier at center, veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, and second-year tackle Broderick Jones. Fautanu is anticipated to return to his tackle position once he's fully recovered. Additionally, Dan Moore Jr. is actively competing to retain his spot in the starting lineup, adding an element of competition and urgency among the linemen.
Preparing for the Regular Season
With the series of injuries ravaging the offensive line, the Steelers remain vigilant in monitoring the health and performance of their players. Each practice and preseason game now bears heightened significance as the team strives to build cohesion and resilience ahead of the regular season.
Herbig's abrupt exit from the season undoubtedly disrupts the Steelers' plans, but it also presents an opportunity for younger players like Frazier to step up. With less than ideal protection in the previous games, the offensive line has its work cut out to ensure Wilson and Fields have the time and space needed to execute plays effectively.
Ultimately, the Steelers are hope their blend of veteran experience and youthful tenacity will stabilize their offensive line, despite the early setbacks. The next few weeks will indicate how well the team adjusts and which players rise to the challenge in Herbig's absence.