The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line has suffered a significant setback with the loss of veteran interior lineman Nate Herbig. Following a torn rotator cuff sustained during the team’s final training camp practice, Herbig is expected to miss the entire regular season.
Impact of Herbig's Absence
At 26, Herbig was set to assume the crucial role of starting center for the Steelers. Previously, he had contributed mainly as a guard over his first five seasons, culminating in an impressive tally of 61 regular-season games and 30 starts. His transition to center was anticipated to solidify an offensive line with a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers.
Herbig's loss leaves a void in the roster that the Steelers are now scrambling to fill. Rookie second-round pick, Zach Frazier, has stepped in to assume Herbig’s role. Frazier showcased his potential during the preseason, making his first career start against the Buffalo Bills last Saturday night.
Frazier Stepping Up
The transition for Frazier is no small task, but early indicators suggest he is handling the responsibility well. Despite his rookie status, Frazier’s confidence and composure have been a talking point among his teammates. As Russell Wilson 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."
Additional Challenges
Compounding the challenge for the Steelers' offensive line is the temporary loss of rookie tackle Troy Fautanu. Fautanu sustained an injury during the preseason opener against the Houston Texans and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks. This adds to the pressure on the remaining linemen to gel quickly and perform at a high level.
Projected Lineup
Given these injuries, the anticipated offensive line group could feature Frazier at center, flanked by veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, and second-year tackle Broderick Jones. Meanwhile, Dan Moore Jr., a five-year offensive tackle, is in a fierce competition to retain his spot in the starting lineup.
The dynamics of the Steelers’ offensive line are in a state of flux, and the upcoming weeks will be pivotal in determining how well this reconfigured unit can protect its quarterback and create opportunities for the running game. With the regular season looming, the Steelers are relying on their depth and the emerging talent of players like Frazier to step up and fill critical roles.
As the season progresses, the performance of these linemen will be closely scrutinized, given the high stakes and the Steelers' aspirations. The resilience and adaptability of the team will undoubtedly be tested, but if the new lineup can coalesce, the Steelers might yet weather this storm and emerge stronger for it.