The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line has suffered a significant setback with the loss of veteran interior lineman Nate Herbig, who was expected to be a key figure in the team's offense this season. Herbig, at just 26 years old, had already garnered significant experience, appearing in 61 regular-season games and starting 30 of them. This year, he was poised to transition to the role of starting center, a position of increased responsibility and visibility.
However, during the final training camp practice, Herbig sustained a torn rotator cuff, an injury severe enough to sideline him for the entire regular season. This loss is not only a blow to the Steelers' lineup but also a personal setback for Herbig, who had primarily played as a guard in his first five seasons and was on the cusp of taking on a new challenge as the center.
Next Man Up: Zach Frazier
In the wake of Herbig's injury, the Steelers have turned to their rookie second-round pick, Zach Frazier, to fill the void at center. Frazier made his first career start during the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, a pressure-filled introduction to professional football. The team's faith in Frazier is evident, as he steps into one of the most critical roles on the offensive line.
Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson has shared insights on the dynamics of playing with a rookie center. "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 observed. His words underscore the importance of poise and confidence, qualities that Frazier will need to exhibit consistently.
Challenges for the Offensive Line
The Steelers are not just grappling with the loss of Herbig. Rookie tackle Troy Fautanu also sustained an injury during the preseason opener against the Houston Texans. Expected to be sidelined for several weeks, Fautanu's absence further complicates the team's offensive line configurations.
Despite these setbacks, the Steelers are working to solidify their lineup. The anticipated starting offensive line might include Frazier at center, alongside veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, and second-year tackle Broderick Jones. Additionally, five-year offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. is in a competitive battle to secure his spot in the starting lineup.
The Steelers' coaching staff faces the task of integrating new and less experienced players into a cohesive unit capable of protecting the quarterback and opening up running lanes. The preseason games, while not counting towards regular-season standings, have been critical in assessing and honing the skills of these players under game conditions.
Moving Forward
As the Steelers navigate these challenges, they will rely heavily on the adaptability and resilience of their players. The focus will be on how quickly the team can establish chemistry and maintain a high level of play despite the changes in personnel.
While the loss of Nate Herbig is undoubtedly significant, the opportunity now presents itself for young talents like Zach Frazier to step up and prove their mettle. Frazier's journey from a rookie draft pick to starting center will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, and his performance could be a bellwether for the Steelers' success this season.
The coming weeks will be telling as the Steelers finalize their roster and game plan heading into the regular season. The ability of the offensive line to perform under pressure and adapt to unforeseen changes will be crucial in determining the team's overall performance.