Nate Herbig's Season Ends Abruptly
In the midst of gearing up for the upcoming NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers have encountered a significant setback. Veteran interior offensive lineman Nate Herbig has suffered a torn rotator cuff, an injury severe enough to land him on season-ending injured reserve.
Herbig's injury, sustained during the final training camp practice, is a blow to a Steelers offensive line that was already in a transitional phase. The 26-year-old, who has been a solid presence in the NFL for six years, was in the process of transitioning to the center position. With 61 regular-season games under his belt, including 30 starts, Herbig's experience was expected to be a cornerstone for Pittsburgh's offensive line this season.
Transition to a Rookie Center
Stepping into Herbig's potentially daunting shoes is rookie second-round pick, Zach Frazier. The young center showcased his potential during his first career start in a preseason loss against the Buffalo Bills. Despite the overall team performance, Frazier's individual play has sparked optimism within the team. Quarterback Russell Wilson underscored Frazier's readiness, noting, "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."
With Frazier assuming the starting center position, the Steelers' offensive line is experiencing a significant reshuffling. The team hopes Frazier can quickly adapt to the rigors of regular-season play and provide the necessary protection for their quarterbacks.
Injury Woes Continue
Adding to the Steelers' offensive line challenges, rookie tackle Troy Fautanu also sustained an injury during Pittsburgh's preseason-opening loss to the Houston Texans. Fautanu's injury is expected to sideline him for several weeks, further stretching the team's offensive line depth.
The injuries to Herbig and Fautanu come at a critical time, as the Steelers' offensive line has struggled to provide adequate protection for their quarterbacks, Wilson and Justin Fields, during their first two preseason games. The team has acknowledged the need to bolster the line's performance if they are to have any chance of a successful season.
Projected Starting Lineup
As it stands, the Steelers' likely starting offensive line will feature Frazier at center, Fautanu at tackle once he returns from injury, veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, and second-year tackle Broderick Jones. However, competition remains fierce, with Dan Moore Jr. actively vying to retain his spot in the starting lineup.
The mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talents presents both challenges and opportunities for the Steelers. The team will continue to monitor the health and performance of their offensive line closely as the regular season approaches. The goal is to find a balance that can protect their quarterbacks and facilitate a potent offensive attack.
For now, all eyes will be on Frazier as he steps into the pivotal center role. His performance could very well determine the trajectory of the Steelers' season. The resilience and adaptability of the entire offensive line will be put to the test as they aim to overcome these early challenges and come together as a cohesive unit.