Steelers Face Offensive Line Challenge as Injuries Strike Key Players
The Pittsburgh Steelers are grappling with a significant setback to their offensive line, following the loss of veteran interior lineman Nate Herbig. Herbig, who was expected to anchor the line as the starting center this season, has been sidelined due to a torn rotator cuff sustained during the team’s final training camp practice. This injury is expected to keep him out for the entirety of the regular season, creating a substantial void in the Steelers' offensive front.
At just 26 years old, Herbig was set to take on a vital role for the Steelers, transitioning to center after primarily playing as a guard across his first five NFL seasons. His track record includes 61 regular-season games and 30 starts, underscoring the experience and stability he was anticipated to bring to Pittsburgh's offensive unit.
In his absence, the Steelers have turned to rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier, who stepped into Herbig's role and made his first career start in a preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night. Frazier is now tasked with the challenging job of leading the offensive line as a rookie center. Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson notably emphasized the importance of a rookie's composure, saying, “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.”
The Steelers are not only dealing with Herbig's loss but also the temporary absence of rookie tackle Troy Fautanu. Fautanu was injured during the preseason opener against the Houston Texans and is expected to be out for several weeks. This compels Pittsburgh to make prompt adjustments to maintain the integrity and performance of their offensive line.
Potential starters for the revised offensive line include Zach Frazier at center, with seasoned guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo providing stability on either side. Broderick Jones, entering his second year, is anticipated to secure one of the tackle positions, while five-year veteran tackle Dan Moore Jr. is fighting to retain his spot in the starting lineup.
These injuries force the Steelers to rely heavily on a blend of young talent and seasoned veterans to protect the quarterback and open running lanes. The coaching staff's ability to promptly adapt and develop players like Frazier and Fautanu will be critical as the regular season approaches.
The preseason games have thus taken on added significance, offering new starters valuable experience and giving coaches a crucial opportunity to evaluate the lineup's cohesion and performance under competitive conditions. As the Steelers navigate these hurdles, they do so with an eye toward molding a resilient and effective offensive line capable of rising to the challenges of the upcoming NFL season.