Veteran interior offensive lineman Nate Herbig has unfortunately found himself sidelined for the season following a torn rotator cuff, an event that has cast a shadow on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ preparations for the upcoming campaign. This injury, which took place during the final training camp practice, has led to Herbig being placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Herbig's absence leaves a significant void in the Steelers’ offensive line, particularly as he was in the midst of transitioning to the center position. The 26-year-old has accumulated considerable experience in his six-year career, participating in 61 regular-season games with 30 starts under his belt. His transition to center was viewed as a strategic move, likely aimed at bolstering the team’s middle offensive line with his veteran presence and experience.
A New Opportunity for Zach Frazier
With Herbig out, the Steelers have turned to rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier to fill the gap. Frazier, who impressed during his first career start in a preseason loss against the Buffalo Bills, now faces the monumental task of stepping into a pivotal role on the line. Despite his inexperience, there are high hopes for the young center. His raw potential has already caught the eyes of his teammates and coaches.
Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, underscoring Frazier's composure and readiness, 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." Such praise from a seasoned pro like Wilson reflects well on Frazier's mental and physical preparedness for the responsibility ahead.
Challenges for the Steelers' O-line
The Steelers’ offensive line has been struggling to find its footing during the first two preseason games, evident in their difficulty providing adequate protection for quarterbacks Wilson and Justin Fields. This issue was further exacerbated when rookie tackle Troy Fautanu sustained an injury during Pittsburgh's preseason-opening loss to the Houston Texans. Fautanu is expected to be out for several weeks, adding to the challenges the line must overcome.
When Fautanu returns, the tentative starting lineup for the Steelers will likely include Frazier at center, Fautanu at tackle, veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, and second-year tackle Broderick Jones. Dan Moore Jr. is also in contention, actively competing to secure his place in the starting five. This mix of youth and experience will be critical as the Steelers look to solidify their offensive line ahead of the regular season.
Outlook and Adjustments
The injuries to Herbig and Fautanu have forced the Steelers to re-evaluate and adapt their strategy for the offensive line. The health and performance of this unit will be a key focal point for the coaching staff in the weeks leading up to the season opener. Ensuring that the line can provide robust protection for the quarterbacks while creating effective running lanes will be paramount if they hope to start the season strong.
As the regular season approaches, the Steelers will continue to monitor and adjust their lineup to compensate for these setbacks. The performance of rookies like Frazier and the return of injured players like Fautanu will determine their fluidity and effectiveness. The hope is that the adversity faced during the preseason will galvanize the offensive line, fostering resilience and cohesion that will pay dividends when the games matter most.
The road ahead is undeniably challenging, but with a blend of emerging talent and seasoned veterans, the Steelers’ offensive line has the potential to overcome these early hurdles and gel into a formidable unit. The coming weeks will be crucial as they seek to solidify their identity and shore up their lineup against the pressure of a long and demanding NFL season.