Injury Setback for Nate Herbig Adds to Steelers' Offensive Line Woes
Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line took a significant hit with the announcement that veteran interior offensive lineman Nate Herbig has been placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a torn rotator cuff. The 26-year-old, in his sixth NFL season, sustained the injury during the team's final training camp practice. Herbig’s transition to the center position was poised to be a crucial move for the Steelers, who have been grappling with issues along the offensive line.
Herbig brings a wealth of experience, having played 61 regular-season games with 30 starts. His absence leaves a considerable void, pushing the Steelers to rely on rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier to anchor the center spot. Frazier displayed his potential during his first career start in a preseason loss against the Buffalo Bills, offering a glimpse of hope for the team's future.
Russell Wilson, addressing the challenge of playing with an inexperienced center, noted, "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." Frazier's composure and determination have been encouraging signs for the Steelers, especially as they navigate the preseason struggles.
Further complicating matters, rookie tackle Troy Fautanu also suffered an injury during Pittsburgh's preseason-opening loss to the Houston Texans. Fautanu will be sidelined for several weeks, adding to the lineup uncertainty. The offensive line has struggled to provide adequate protection for quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in the first two preseason games, raising concerns about the unit's readiness for the regular season.
The likely starting five, once everyone is healthy, will include Frazier at center, Fautanu at tackle, veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, and second-year tackle Broderick Jones. Dan Moore Jr. remains in the mix, actively competing to retain his spot in the starting lineup. The Steelers will continue to monitor the health and performance of their offensive line as the regular season approaches, with the hope that these younger players can step up to the challenge.
The loss of Herbig is a significant setback for the Steelers, but the coaching staff is optimistic about Frazier's ability to rise to the occasion. As the team navigates these injuries and adjustments, the focus will be on bolstering the offensive line to ensure better protection and stability moving forward. The resilience and adaptability of Pittsburgh's offensive front will be tested, but with promising young talent and experienced veterans, there is a cautious optimism about their ability to overcome these early hurdles.