The Pittsburgh Steelers have been dealt a significant blow to their offensive line with the season-ending injury of veteran interior lineman Nate Herbig, who recently sustained a torn rotator cuff during the team's final training camp practice. The injury has forced the Steelers to place Herbig, a six-year NFL veteran, on injured reserve.
Herbig, who is 26 years old, was in the process of transitioning to the center position, a role critical in anchoring the offensive line. Throughout his career, Herbig has appeared in 61 regular-season games, starting 30 of them. His experience and skill set have made him a valuable asset to the Steelers, but now the team will have to move forward without him.
Next Man Up: Zach Frazier
With Herbig sidelined, the Steelers are turning to rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier to fill the void at center. Frazier has earned the starting position following an impressive performance in his first career start during a preseason loss against the Buffalo Bills. His ability to showcase his potential in such a short span has not gone unnoticed.
Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson has expressed confidence in Frazier's abilities. "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, attesting to Frazier's composure and readiness for the challenge ahead.
Injuries Plague Offensive Line
Adding to the Steelers' woes, rookie tackle Troy Fautanu suffered an injury during the team's preseason-opening loss to the Houston Texans. Fautanu is expected to be sidelined for several weeks, further depleting an already beleaguered offensive line.
The absence of Herbig and Fautanu puts additional pressure on the remaining members of the line. The Steelers' offensive line has struggled to provide adequate protection for quarterbacks Wilson and Justin Fields in their first two preseason games. The unit's performance has highlighted the need for stability and cohesion as the regular season approaches.
Crafting a Cohesive Line
Despite these setbacks, the Steelers are actively working to solidify their starting offensive line. The likely starting five will feature Frazier at center, Fautanu at tackle once he returns from injury, veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, and second-year tackle Broderick Jones. Dan Moore Jr. is also in contention, actively competing to retain his spot in the starting lineup.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin and his staff are closely monitoring the health and performance of their offensive line as they finalize the roster. The success of the Steelers' season will heavily rely on this group's ability to protect their quarterbacks and create opportunities for the rushing game.
As the regular season looms, the Steelers face the daunting task of overcoming these early injuries and fostering a resilient and effective offensive line. The performance of rookies like Frazier and the contributions of experienced players will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead.
The Steelers, known for their storied history and competitive spirit, will undoubtedly be looking to these players to step up and ensure that the team's offensive line remains a force to be reckoned with despite the setbacks. The team's ability to adapt and endure these adversities will be a testament to their determination and depth as they gear up for a challenging season.