The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line has encountered a significant setback with the loss of one of its most experienced interior linemen, Nate Herbig. During the team’s final training camp practice, Herbig suffered a devastating torn rotator cuff, a setback that is expected to keep him off the field for the entirety of the regular season. This injury is particularly impactful given Herbig's projected role as the Steelers' starting center.
At 26, Herbig was transitioning into the role of center after having built a career primarily as a guard over his first five seasons. His wealth of experience includes participation in 61 regular-season games, with 30 starts to his name. The Steelers were undoubtedly looking forward to leveraging his versatility and experience at the heart of their offensive line.
In light of Herbig's injury, the Steelers have been forced to make some quick adjustments. Rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier has now stepped into the crucial role of center. Frazier, who recently made his first career start during the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, has shown promise. Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson provided insight into Frazier's demeanor on the field, 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."
The Steelers are also dealing with the temporary loss of rookie tackle Troy Fautanu, who sustained an injury during the preseason opener against the Houston Texans. Fautanu's injury is expected to sideline him for several weeks, adding another layer of challenge for the offensive line unit.
With these significant changes, the Steelers' anticipated offensive line configuration may now include Zach Frazier at center, with veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo providing stability on either side. In the tackle positions, second-year player Broderick Jones is expected to make an impact, while Dan Moore Jr., a five-year offensive tackle, is in a competitive battle to secure his spot in the starting lineup.
Despite the setbacks, the Steelers' coaching staff and players are showing resilience and adaptability. The young players stepping in are keen to prove their capability on the professional stage, adding an element of youthful exuberance and determination to the squad. As the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on how the team's restructured offensive line gels and performs under pressure.