During a tumultuous preseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers, veteran interior offensive lineman Nate Herbig has been dealt a significant blow. Herbig, a 26-year-old seasoned professional with six years of NFL experience, has suffered a torn rotator cuff. This injury, which transpired during Pittsburgh’s final training camp practice, has necessitated his placement on season-ending injured reserve.
Herbig's role had been evolving in recent practices, transitioning to the center position, a critical spot on any offensive line. Over his career, he has showcased his reliability, appearing in 61 regular-season games and starting in 30. His absence will undoubtedly be felt deeply by the Steelers as they gear up for the regular season.
Rookie Step-Up
In light of Herbig's injury, the spotlight now shifts to rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier, who is poised to assume the starting center position. Frazier has already begun to showcase his potential, notably during his first career start in a preseason loss against the Buffalo Bills. Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson has expressed confidence in the young center’s fortitude, 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." This endorsement could be pivotal for Frazier as he steps into a demanding role under substantial pressure.
Offensive Line Challenges
The Steelers' offensive line, however, faces broader challenges beyond Herbig’s unfortunate sidelining. Rookie tackle Troy Fautanu, who injured himself during Pittsburgh's preseason-opening loss to the Houston Texans, will also be unavailable for several weeks. This adds another layer of complexity to an already struggling unit.
Throughout their first two preseason games, Pittsburgh's offensive line has struggled to provide adequate protection for quarterbacks Wilson and Justin Fields. This protection issue will need significant addressing if the Steelers hope to make substantial offensive headway during the regular season.
Projected Lineup
Looking at the likely starting lineup, the Steelers are expected to deploy Frazier at center once the season starts. Alongside him, Fautanu is anticipated to resume his role at tackle upon recovery. Veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, along with second-year tackle Broderick Jones, will complete the core of the offensive front. Additionally, Dan Moore Jr. remains actively competing to retain his spot in the starting lineup, providing some internal competition and depth.
The Steelers' coaching staff will need to maintain a vigilant watch over the health and performance of their offensive linemen as the regular season rapidly approaches. With two rookies potentially playing pivotal roles, the blend of youthful potential and seasoned experience will be critical. The ability of the offensive line to adapt and gel quickly could significantly influence the team's fortunes this season.
As the team navigates these injuries and works towards solidifying their lineup, Steelers fans will be hoping for a swift and effective resolution to these preseason setbacks, aiming to fortify the team’s resilience and capability in the face of adversity.