The Pittsburgh Steelers have experienced a substantial setback just as the new NFL season looms. The offensive line has been struck hard by the loss of a pivotal player, veteran interior lineman Nate Herbig. In a disheartening turn of events, Herbig suffered a torn rotator cuff during the team’s final training camp practice, leaving the Steelers without his services for the entire regular season.
At 26, Herbig was set to anchor the Steelers' offensive line as the starting center. Transitioning from his primary position of guard, where he spent his first five NFL seasons, Herbig's move to center was viewed as a key to bolstering the team's line depth and experience. Across 61 regular-season games and 30 starts, Herbig had proven his reliability and skill, making his injury a significant hurdle for the Steelers to overcome.
Stepping Up: Zach Frazier
As the team grapples with Herbig's absence, rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier is stepping into the limelight. Thrust into a starting role, Frazier made his first career start during the Steelers' preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. This sudden responsibility places considerable pressure on the young player, but early indications suggest Frazier is rising to the challenge.
Famed quarterback Russell Wilson noted the importance of composure in such situations, stating, "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." This endorsement highlights Frazier's potential to maintain his composure and perform under pressure, crucial traits for a center expected to lead the line.
A Line in Flux
Frazier’s emergence is particularly vital given the broader context of the Steelers' offensive line woes. In addition to Herbig's injury, the team faces 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. His absence further compounds the challenges facing the newly configured line.
Despite these setbacks, the Steelers still boast a mix of experience and youthful potential among their linemen. Veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo provide stability and leadership, while second-year tackle Broderick Jones looks to build on a promising start to his NFL career. Dan Moore Jr., entering his fifth year, is engaged in a battle to retain his spot in the starting lineup, adding a layer of competitive intensity to the position.
The Road Ahead
The revamped offensive line is navigating a critical juncture. With Zach Frazier expected to assume the role of center, surrounded by seasoned guards and aspiring tackles, the Steelers will rely on a blend of fresh energy and established prowess to protect their quarterback and open up running lanes. The effectiveness of this new lineup will be pivotal as the team strives to remain competitive in a challenging division.
In the coming weeks, the team's coaching staff will closely monitor Frazier’s progress, evaluating his readiness to shoulder such significant responsibility. The game against the Buffalo Bills offered an initial glimpse, but the true test will unfold as the season progresses. The contributions of veterans like Daniels and Seumalo, alongside the development of young talents like Frazier and Jones, will be critical to the Steelers' success.
While Nate Herbig’s injury is undoubtedly a significant blow, the Steelers have the personnel and potential to adapt and forge a resilient offensive line. As the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on this evolving unit, eager to see how they coalesce and rise to the occasion.