Veteran interior offensive lineman Nate Herbig's journey with the Pittsburgh Steelers has unfortunately been cut short this season, as the 26-year-old has suffered a torn rotator cuff. The injury, which occurred during Pittsburgh's final training camp practice, has led to Herbig being placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Herbig, a six-year NFL veteran, was in the midst of transitioning to the center position following a solid career that included 61 regular-season games and 30 starts. His absence leaves a significant gap in the Steelers' offensive line, especially given his experience and the role he was set to play.
Next Man Up: Zach Frazier Steps In
Stepping into the breach left by Herbig is rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier. Frazier, who has already shown promise, will now assume the starting center position. In his debut preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, Frazier showcased his potential, albeit in a losing effort. His skills will be put to the test as he transitions from a promising rookie to a central figure in Pittsburgh's offensive line strategy.
Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson spoke highly of Frazier's poise under pressure. "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 commented, highlighting the rookie's composure.
Injuries Continue to Plague the Steelers
Adding to Pittsburgh's woes, rookie tackle Troy Fautanu sustained an injury in the team's preseason-opening loss to the Houston Texans. Fautanu is expected to be sidelined for several weeks, further depleting the team's offensive line options. This extends the unfortunate trend of injuries hampering the team's preparations as they strive to fine-tune their lineup and ensure protection for their quarterbacks.
Struggles and Adjustments on the Offensive Line
The Steelers' offensive line has faced significant challenges in securing adequate protection for quarterbacks Wilson and Justin Fields during their initial preseason games. The unit's struggles have been apparent, and adjustments are necessary to stabilize the line before the regular season commences.
Despite these setbacks, the likely starting lineup is beginning to take shape. Zach Frazier is set to anchor the line at center. Once recovered, Troy Fautanu will reclaim his position at tackle. The veteran presence will be felt with guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, while second-year tackle Broderick Jones seeks to make his mark. Additionally, Dan Moore Jr. is actively competing to retain his spot in the starting lineup, adding a competitive edge to the mix.
Monitoring Health and Performance
The Steelers' coaching staff will maintain a vigilant watch over the health and performance of their offensive line as the regular season approaches. Ensuring that key players remain fit and ready will be crucial to the team's success. The transition periods for young linemen like Frazier and recovering players like Fautanu will be closely monitored, as their development is vital to fortifying the roster.
The road ahead promises to be challenging, but with the right adjustments and steady performances from its veterans and newcomers, Pittsburgh's offensive line aims to persevere and provide the resilience needed to succeed this season.