Veteran Lineman Nate Herbig Suffers Season-Ending Injury
In a disheartening turn of events for the Pittsburgh Steelers, veteran interior offensive lineman Nate Herbig is now sidelined for the season due to a torn rotator cuff. The injury occurred during Pittsburgh's final training camp practice, which has prompted the team to place Herbig on season-ending injured reserve.
Herbig, a 26-year-old six-year veteran, was in the midst of transitioning to the center position. Over the course of his career, he has played in 61 regular-season games, 30 of which he started, demonstrating his experience and reliability on the field. The loss of Herbig is a significant blow to the Steelers’ offensive line, which has already faced numerous challenges this preseason.
Next Man Up: Zach Frazier
In the wake of Herbig’s injury, rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier is set to assume the starting center role. Frazier showcased his potential during his first career start in a recent preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. Despite the team's overall struggles, his performance offered a glimpse of promise for the upcoming season.
Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson has expressed confidence in Frazier despite the rookie's inexperience, 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 from a seasoned quarterback like Wilson suggests that Frazier has the mental toughness required to step into such a critical role.
Injury Woes Continue with Troy Fautanu
The Steelers’ offensive line health issues don’t end with Herbig. Rookie tackle Troy Fautanu sustained an injury during Pittsburgh's preseason-opening loss to the Houston Texans and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks. This additional setback leaves Pittsburgh's offensive line in a precarious position as they approach the regular season.
Offensive Line Struggles
Throughout the preseason, the Steelers' offensive line has faced difficulties in providing adequate protection for quarterbacks Wilson and Justin Fields. These struggles have been evident in the team's first two preseason games, highlighting the urgency for improvement and stability up front.
As it stands, the likely starting offensive line for Pittsburgh will feature Frazier at center and Fautanu at tackle once he returns from injury. Veterans James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo are expected to anchor the guard positions, while second-year tackle Broderick Jones will also play a crucial role. Additionally, Dan Moore Jr. is actively competing to retain his spot in the starting lineup, adding another layer of competition and potential for improvement.
Looking Ahead
The Steelers' coaching staff will now closely monitor the health and performance of their offensive line as the regular season approaches. The unit’s ability to adapt and overcome these early challenges will be pivotal to the team’s success. The development of rookies like Frazier and the recovery of key players like Fautanu will be under significant scrutiny.
With the season fast approaching, the volatility within the offensive line remains a critical concern for Pittsburgh. However, the resilience and development of younger players, combined with the steady presence of veterans, offer a hopeful yet cautiously optimistic outlook for Steelers fans. The emphasis will undoubtedly be on cohesion, protection, and minimizing any further disruptions to ensure the offensive line can adequately protect their quarterbacks and establish a formidable ground game moving forward.