Herbig Out for the Season with Torn Rotator Cuff
In a significant blow to the Pittsburgh Steelers, veteran interior offensive lineman Nate Herbig has been sidelined with a torn rotator cuff. The six-year veteran, transitioning to the center position, sustained the injury during the team's final training camp practice. As a result, Herbig has been placed on season-ending injured reserve, leaving a notable void in Pittsburgh's offensive line.
Impact of Herbig's Absence
The 26-year-old Herbig has been a reliable presence throughout his NFL career, appearing in 61 regular-season games and starting 30 of them. His experience and versatility were anticipated to play a pivotal role in shoring up an offensive line that has had its share of struggles. Now, the Steelers must pivot quickly to adjust their plans just as the regular season looms.
Frazier Steps Up
Stepping into the breach is rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier, who will assume the starting center position. Frazier's potential was on display during his first career start in a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, a performance that evidently impressed the coaching staff. Yet, the transition from a veteran like Herbig to a rookie brings its own set of challenges.
Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson acknowledged these challenges but expressed confidence in Frazier's capabilities: "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."
Other Injuries and Adjustments
The Steelers' offensive line woes don't end with Herbig. Rookie tackle Troy Fautanu also sustained an injury, this one occurring during Pittsburgh's preseason-opening loss to the Houston Texans. Fautanu is expected to be sidelined for several weeks, adding further complexity to the Steelers' offensive line configuration.
With these developments, the likely starting five will now feature Frazier at center, veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, second-year tackle Broderick Jones, and Fautanu at tackle once he recovers from his injury. Dan Moore Jr. continues to actively compete to secure his spot in the starting lineup, adding depth but also a layer of uncertainty as the team seeks to solidify its offensive front.
Challenges Ahead
The Steelers' offensive line has struggled to provide adequate protection for quarterbacks Wilson and Justin Fields during the first two preseason games. As they move forward, the coaching staff will be closely monitoring the health and performance of their offensive line, aiming to find a balance that offers both resilience and skill.
While Herbig's season-ending injury is a significant hurdle, it also opens the door for younger players to demonstrate their worth. The Steelers' ability to adapt and the performance of their new lineup will be crucial as they approach the regular season.