Veteran Lineman Nate Herbig's Season Cut Short
The Pittsburgh Steelers are grappling with significant disruptions to their offensive line as veteran interior offensive lineman Nate Herbig has suffered a torn rotator cuff. The injury, which occurred during Pittsburgh's final training camp practice, has put an abrupt end to Herbig's season, forcing the Steelers to place him on season-ending injured reserve.
At 26, Herbig is a six-year veteran with considerable experience under his belt. Transitioning to the center position, he was set to be a vital piece of the Steelers' frontline. Over the course of his career, Herbig has played in 61 regular-season games, making 30 starts. His absence will undoubtedly be a significant loss for the team as they navigate the season ahead.
Rookie Stepping Up
Filling the void left by Herbig will be rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier. The young lineman showed promise during his first career start in a preseason loss against the Buffalo Bills, catching the attention of both fans and coaches. Frazier's ability to handle the pressure will be crucial as the Steelers look to stabilize their offensive line.
Quarterback Russell Wilson, a seasoned veteran himself, offered a touch of confidence regarding Frazier's poise under pressure. "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 remarked, highlighting Frazier's composed demeanor.
Additional Setbacks
The Steelers' offensive line troubles don’t end with Herbig’s injury. Rookie tackle Troy Fautanu is also sidelined due to an injury sustained during Pittsburgh’s preseason-opening loss to the Houston Texans. Fautanu is expected to be out for several weeks, adding to the team's challenges in forming a cohesive and effective lineup.
These injuries have exacerbated an already difficult preseason for the Steelers' offensive line. In their first two preseason games, the line has struggled to provide adequate protection for quarterbacks Wilson and Justin Fields, leading to concerns as the regular season draws near.
Revised Lineup
As it stands, the likely starting five for the Steelers will include Frazier at center and Fautanu at tackle, once he returns from his injury. They will be joined by veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, along with second-year tackle Broderick Jones. The Steelers are also keeping a close eye on Dan Moore Jr., who is actively competing to retain his spot in the starting lineup.
Head coach and the management team will undoubtedly be closely monitoring the health and performance of their offensive line as they approach the regular season. The ability of these players to step up and seamlessly integrate into the game plan will be critical for the Steelers’ offense moving forward.
With injuries reshaping their offensive line, the Steelers face a considerable challenge. However, with young talents like Zach Frazier and the resilience of seasoned players, the team remains hopeful in navigating the hurdles that lie ahead.