Pittsburgh Steelers' interior offensive lineman Nate Herbig has endured a significant setback, suffering a torn rotator cuff during the team's final training camp practice. This injury has led to Herbig being placed on season-ending injured reserve, marking a major blow to the Steelers' offensive line as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season.
Herbig, a seasoned 26-year-old veteran, was in the midst of a pivotal transition to the center position. Over his six-year career, he has demonstrated versatility and reliability, accumulating 61 regular-season appearances, including 30 starts. His experience and skill set were expected to bolster the Steelers' offensive front, but his unfortunate injury has prompted a reshuffling of the lineup.
Next Man Up: Zach Frazier
In response to Herbig's absence, rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier will now take over as the starting center. Frazier, who showcased his potential in his first career start during a preseason loss against the Buffalo Bills, has impressed coaches and teammates alike. Despite his rookie status, he has exhibited the confidence and composure necessary to anchor the line.
Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson expressed confidence in Frazier's readiness, stating, "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." This endorsement highlights Frazier's calm demeanor and readiness to step into a crucial role.
Additional Challenges on the Offensive Line
The Steelers' offensive line woes are compounded by another injury, with rookie tackle Troy Fautanu being sidelined for several weeks. Fautanu sustained an injury during Pittsburgh's preseason-opening loss to the Houston Texans, further testing the depth and resilience of the line.
These injuries come at a time when the Steelers' offensive line has already shown vulnerabilities. Throughout the first two preseason games, the unit has struggled to provide adequate protection for quarterbacks Wilson and Justin Fields, an issue that must be addressed promptly to ensure competitive performances as the regular season approaches.
Projected Starting Lineup
With Herbig's season cut short and Fautanu temporarily out of the lineup, the Steelers are reorganizing their starting offensive line. The likely configuration includes Frazier at center, Fautanu at tackle upon his return, veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, and second-year tackle Broderick Jones. Additionally, Dan Moore Jr. remains in contention to retain his spot in the starting lineup, actively competing and showcasing his skills.
As the Steelers navigate these challenges, the focus remains on maintaining the health and performance of their offensive linemen. The coaching staff will be closely monitoring the group's development, seeking to solidify the unit and ensure they can effectively protect their quarterbacks and establish a robust offensive presence.
The road ahead is undoubtedly filled with obstacles, but with emerging talents like Zach Frazier stepping up and veterans providing steadiness, the Steelers aim to fortify their offensive line and address the early struggles that have surfaced in the preseason. The adaptability and determination of both the players and coaching staff will play a vital role as the team prepares to face the rigors of the regular season.