Injury Strikes Nate Herbig, Steelers' Offensive Line in Flux
The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line depth has taken a significant hit as veteran interior offensive lineman Nate Herbig has suffered 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, leaving the Steelers to reassess their line-up and adapt quickly with the regular season looming.
Herbig, a 26-year-old and six-year veteran, was in the midst of transitioning to the center position. His experience, having played 61 regular-season games, including 30 starts, was anticipated to be a backbone for the offensive unit. The Steelers now find themselves relying on less seasoned players to fill the void left by Herbig's sudden departure.
Rookie Stepping Up
With Herbig sidelined, rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier is expected to step in as the starting center. Frazier showcased his potential during his first career start in a preseason loss against the Buffalo Bills, offering a glimpse into what he could bring to the table. Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson commented on the challenges and observations when working with a new center. "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 observed, providing a ringing endorsement of Frazier's composure under pressure.
Further Challenges on the Horizon
The Steelers' troubles 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 adds another layer of complexity for the coaching staff as they scramble to solidify their offensive line.
The injuries and subsequent shifts in personnel have compounded the struggles Pittsburgh has faced in providing adequate protection for quarterbacks Wilson and Justin Fields in the first two preseason games. Despite the challenges, the Steelers are determined to find a functional and effective assembly before the regular season kicks off.
Projected Line-Up
As it stands, the likely starting offensive line for the Steelers will feature Zach Frazier at center, Troy Fautanu at tackle once he returns from injury, veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, and second-year tackle Broderick Jones. The team remains hopeful that these players can gel together quickly and provide the necessary protection and support for their quarterbacks. Additionally, Dan Moore Jr. is actively competing to retain his spot in the starting lineup, further intensifying the competition and urgency within the unit.
The Steelers' coaching staff will be closely monitoring both the health and performance of their offensive line as the countdown to the regular season continues. With significant retooling needed in the face of these setbacks, Pittsburgh's ability to adapt and overcome these early-season adversities could be critical to their success in the upcoming campaign.
Time alone will tell if the makeshift offensive line can stabilize and deliver the strength needed to carry the team forward, but what’s certain is that the resilience and quick adaptation of the unit will be put to the test straight out of the gate.