The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing significant challenges to their offensive line as they head into the new season. A pivotal blow came with the injury to veteran interior lineman Nate Herbig, who suffered a torn rotator cuff during the team’s final training camp practice. This unfortunate development is expected to sideline Herbig for the entire regular season.
At just 26 years old, Herbig was set to assume the role of the Steelers' starting center. Throughout his first five seasons, Herbig primarily played as a guard, showcasing his versatility across the line. His career includes participation in 61 regular-season games, with 30 starts, underscoring the wealth of experience he would have brought to the center position.
Stepping up in Herbig's absence is rookie second-round pick, Zach Frazier. The young talent wasted no time in making an impression. Frazier earned his first career start in the Steelers' recent preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. His early performance will be critical as he tries to fill the void left by Herbig.
In addition to Herbig’s long-term absence, the Steelers are also contending with the temporary loss of rookie tackle Troy Fautanu. Fautanu was injured during the team’s preseason opener against the Houston Texans and is expected to be out for several weeks.
Anticipated Lineup Adjustments
These injuries have forced the Steelers to reconfigure their offensive line. The likely lineup may feature Frazier at center, surrounded by veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, and second-year tackle Broderick Jones. Another key player, five-year offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr., is battling to retain his spot in the starting lineup, adding another layer of competition and uncertainty to the line's final composition.
Veteran Insight
Even with these upheavals, there is a cautiously optimistic sentiment among the team’s veterans. Speaking about playing with younger players, Russell Wilson's insights provide an interesting perspective: "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." Wilson’s words suggest that the unflappable demeanor of players like Frazier could be a stabilizing factor for the team's offensive lineup.
The Steelers' coaching staff and veteran players will undoubtedly play crucial roles in helping the newer members adapt quickly to these unforeseen changes. The team’s ability to integrate rookies into critical positions will be a defining factor in how they navigate the season's challenges.
Overall, the Steelers are entering the season with notable adjustments to their offensive line. The loss of Herbig is significant, but the team is hopeful that players like Zach Frazier can rise to the occasion. The resilience and adaptability of both the rookies and the seasoned players will be under the spotlight as the Steelers seek to maintain their competitive edge.