Pittsburgh Steelers Face Major Setback with Nate Herbig's Injury
The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line has taken a significant blow with the loss of veteran interior lineman Nate Herbig. Herbig, a key component of the Steelers' front line, suffered a torn rotator cuff during the team’s final training camp practice and is expected to miss the entire regular season.
At 26, Herbig was poised to become the Steelers' starting center, transitioning from his previous role mainly as a guard in his first five seasons. His seasoned presence, encompassing 61 regular-season games and 30 starts, was anticipated to anchor Pittsburgh's offensive line. The loss of such an experienced player is felt deeply within the team.
Stepping into Herbig's shoes is rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier. Despite the daunting task, Frazier has embraced the challenge head-on. He made his first career start during Saturday night's preseason game, a loss to the Buffalo Bills. The game marked a crucial point in Frazier's career as he now steps into a role with great expectations and responsibilities.
Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson has already expressed confidence in Frazier's ability to handle the pressure. Wilson highlighted the rookie's composure, 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 shift in the offensive line doesn't end with Herbig's injury. The Steelers are also coping with the temporary loss of rookie tackle Troy Fautanu, who sustained an injury during the preseason opener against the Houston Texans. Fautanu is expected to be sidelined for several weeks, adding another layer of complexity to the team’s efforts to stabilize their offensive line.
Pittsburgh's offensive line is in a state of flux, contributing to leaky protection for quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields during the first two preseason games. As the Steelers strive to establish a solid starting lineup, the anticipated group might include Frazier at center, veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, and second-year tackle Broderick Jones. Additionally, five-year offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. is battling to retain his spot in the starting lineup.
The implications of these injuries are considerable, but the coaching staff remains optimistic. The coming weeks will serve as a crucial period for adaptation and integration, as these new and returning players work to coalesce into a cohesive unit. The success of the Steelers' offensive line will play a pivotal role in the team's overall performance this season.
Despite the setbacks, the Steelers are determined to rally and overcome these challenges. The resilience and adaptability of players like Frazier give hope for a robust offensive line capable of providing the necessary protection and blocking to compete at a high level.
As the regular season approaches, the focus will undoubtedly be on the development and chemistry of this restructured offensive line. With veteran guidance and youthful vigor, the Steelers aim to conquer these early hurdles and forge a path to success.