Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Line Faces Challenges as Season Approaches
The Pittsburgh Steelers are grappling with significant challenges on their offensive line before the regular season even begins. Veteran interior offensive lineman Nate Herbig has been sidelined for the season due to a torn rotator cuff. This injury occurred during the team's final training camp practice, dealing a severe blow to the squad's preparations.
Nate Herbig, a 26-year-old six-year veteran who has played 61 regular-season games, including 30 starts, was in the midst of transitioning to the center position. His absence has necessitated some quick adjustments and thrust rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier into the spotlight. Frazier will now assume the starting center position, a considerable responsibility for the young player.
Frazier showcased his potential during his first career start in a preseason loss against the Buffalo Bills, providing a glimmer of hope for the Steelers’ coaching staff. The resilience and poise he demonstrated caught the attention of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. "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 remarked, expressing his confidence in Frazier's ability to handle the pressure.
The offensive line’s difficulties are compounded by the injury to rookie tackle Troy Fautanu during Pittsburgh's preseason-opening loss to the Houston Texans. Fautanu is expected to be sidelined for several weeks, further straining the team’s options. In his absence, the Steelers' line has struggled to provide adequate protection for quarterbacks Wilson and Justin Fields during their first two preseason games.
Despite these setbacks, the Steelers are working towards establishing a reliable starting lineup. Once Fautanu returns from his injury, he is expected to join the likely starting five, which now includes Frazier at center, veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, and second-year tackle Broderick Jones. Another key figure in the equation is Dan Moore Jr., who is actively competing to retain his spot in the starting lineup.
The upcoming weeks will be crucial as the Steelers’ coaching staff continues to monitor the health and performance of their offensive line. Their ability to adapt and gel as a unit will be essential for the team's success this season. The team acknowledges the critical role of a cohesive offensive line in securing victories and will strive to ensure that the line remains robust and reliable as the season progresses.