The Pittsburgh Steelers are grappling with a setback on their offensive line, following the devastating injury to veteran Nate Herbig. The experienced interior lineman, who was gearing up to be the Steelers’ starting center this season, suffered a torn rotator cuff in the final training camp practice. This injury is expected to keep him off the field for the entire regular season.
At just 26, Herbig was transitioning to the center position, having primarily played as a guard through his first five seasons. His experience is substantial, with 61 regular-season games and 30 starts under his belt. His absence leaves a palpable void in the Steelers’ offensive strategy.
Stepping Up: Zach Frazier
In the wake of Herbig's injury, rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier has been thrust into the spotlight. Frazier, who recently made his first career start in a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, now faces the challenge of anchoring the offensive line as the team's center.
The transition from college to the NFL is no small feat, particularly in such a crucial role. However, Frazier's calm demeanor has been evident. As quarterback Russell Wilson remarked, "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 Setbacks
The Steelers' offensive line woes are compounded by 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 disruption further tests the depth and resilience of the team’s lineup.
Shuffling the Offensive Line
With Herbig out and Fautanu temporarily sidelined, the anticipated starting group might see several adjustments. Zach Frazier is likely to take up the mantle at center, flanked by veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo. Second-year tackle Broderick Jones is expected to reinforce the line's outer edge. Meanwhile, five-year offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. is striving to maintain his spot in the starting lineup.
The adaptability of this unit will be crucial as they navigate these early-season challenges. Each player must rise to ensure the protective schemes and run-blocking capabilities are not compromised, even in the absence of key members.
Looking Forward
For the Steelers, these injuries necessitate a pragmatic approach. The team must integrate new players fluidly while ensuring that the seasoned veterans provide stability and guidance. The leadership within the huddle, particularly from those with more experience, will be paramount as they adapt to these new dynamics.
As the preseason unfolds, the Steelers' coaching staff will likely focus on building cohesiveness within the offensive line, understanding that consistency and communication are foundational to a successful season. The upcoming games and practices will serve as a litmus test for the new configurations, spotlighting how young talents like Frazier cope with elevated responsibilities.
Despite the setbacks, the Steelers have historically shown resilience in the face of adversity. This season opener will be a testament to their depth and strategic adaptation as they aim to protect their quarterback and create opportunities in both the run and pass games. The journey might be more challenging than initially anticipated, but with the right mindset and collective effort, the Steelers' offensive line can still strive to be a formidable unit.