Veteran interior offensive lineman Nate Herbig has suffered a substantial setback, as the Pittsburgh Steelers have announced he has torn his rotator cuff and will be placed on season-ending injured reserve. The injury occurred during Pittsburgh's final training camp practice, bringing an abrupt end to what was expected to be a pivotal year for the seasoned 26-year-old.
A Career Redirected
Herbig, a six-year veteran who has played in 61 regular-season games with 30 starts, was in the midst of transitioning to the center position. This shift was anticipated to solidify the Steelers' offensive line, which has had its share of struggles during the preseason. Now, the team must adapt quickly to the absence of a player who brought both experience and a versatile skill set to the lineup.
Next Man Up: Zach Frazier
With Herbig sidelined, rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier is poised to step into the starting center role. Originating from a strong college program, Frazier showed glimpses of his potential during his first career start in a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. His ability to maintain composure under pressure caught the eye of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, who commented on Frazier's unshakable confidence: "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."
More Injury Woes
The Steelers' preseason has been marred by more than just Herbig’s injury. Rookie tackle Troy Fautanu also sustained an injury during the preseason opener against the Houston Texans and will be sidelined for several weeks. Fautanu was expected to compete for a starting role and his absence further complicates the team’s plans to field a cohesive and effective offensive line.
Protecting the Quarterbacks
The Steelers' offensive line has struggled to provide adequate protection for their quarterbacks, particularly Wilson and Justin Fields, during the first two preseason games. These struggles highlight the importance of a solid, healthy line as the team prepares for the regular season. As it stands, the projected starting five includes Frazier at center, Fautanu at tackle upon his return, veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, and second-year tackle Broderick Jones.
Competition and Adjustments
However, not all positions are set in stone. Dan Moore Jr. continues to actively compete to retain his spot in the lineup, adding another layer of competition and complexity to the Steelers’ offensive front. The coaching staff will have to closely monitor both the health and performance of their linemen in the remaining days of the preseason.
As the regular season looms, the Steelers face the challenge of integrating these younger, less experienced players into a high-stakes environment. The development and performance of Zach Frazier and others in the coming weeks will be crucial to the team’s success and their ability to protect their quarterbacks, offering stability and strength to the offensive unit amidst significant early challenges.