Significant Setback for Steelers' Offensive Line: Nate Herbig Out for Season
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been dealt a considerable blow to their offensive line as veteran interior offensive lineman Nate Herbig has suffered a torn rotator cuff. The injury, sustained during the final training camp practice, has led to Herbig being placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Herbig, a 26-year-old with six seasons of NFL experience, was in the process of transitioning to the center position. Over his career, Herbig has played 61 regular-season games, including 30 starts, providing a wealth of experience and reliability to the offensive front.
This injury leaves a significant gap in the Steel City trenches, but the team is set to turn to rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier. Frazier demonstrated his potential during his first career start in a preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills, and now he will officially take over the starting center role.
Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson expressed optimism about Frazier stepping into the pivotal role, 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 offensive line’s challenges don't end with Herbig's injury. Rookie tackle Troy Fautanu also sustained an injury during the Steelers' preseason-opening loss to the Houston Texans. While Fautanu is expected to be sidelined for several weeks, the Steelers must cope with his absence as they prepare for the regular season.
The offensive line has struggled thus far in the preseason, failing to provide adequate protection for quarterbacks Wilson and Justin Fields. The first two preseason games highlighted the need for stability and performance improvement upfront.
Currently, the projected starting lineup for the Steelers' offensive line will feature Frazier at center, with Fautanu slated to return as a starting tackle once he's healthy. Veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, along with second-year tackle Broderick Jones, are expected to round out the line. Additionally, Dan Moore Jr. remains in contention, actively competing to keep his spot in the starting lineup.
In these final weeks leading up to the regular season, the Steelers' coaching staff will closely monitor the health and performance of their offensive line. With significant shuffling and new faces in crucial positions, effective communication and cohesion will be key to ensuring that the unit can gel together.
The loss of Nate Herbig is undeniably a significant setback for the Steelers, but the presence of promising young talent like Zach Frazier offers a glimpse of hope. As the team navigates these challenges, the spotlight will be on the offensive line to protect their quarterbacks and open up the running game, which is vital for their success this season.
The transition period for any team dealing with injuries is tumultuous, but in Frazier, the Steelers may have found a resilient player ready to step up when called upon. Whether this young center can seize the opportunity and anchor the offensive line through the trials of an NFL season will be a storyline worth following. The expectation and pressure are now squarely on his shoulders, but early signs suggest he has the composure and skill to meet these demands head-on.