Veteran Lineman Nate Herbig's Injury Poses Challenges for Steelers
In a significant blow to the Pittsburgh Steelers, veteran interior offensive lineman Nate Herbig has suffered a torn rotator cuff during the team’s final training camp practice. This unfortunate setback has forced the Steelers to place Herbig on season-ending injured reserve, creating a void in their offensive line as the regular season approaches.
At 26, Herbig brings six years of professional experience and was in the midst of transitioning to the center position. His career, highlighted by 61 regular-season games and 30 starts, underscores the gap the Steelers now face. The timing of Herbig’s injury makes it particularly challenging for the team's preparation and lineup solidification.
Next Man Up: Zach Frazier
In light of Herbig’s injury, rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier is set to assume the starting center position. Frazier, who showcased his potential during his first career start in a preseason loss against the Buffalo Bills, now steps into a critical role. The Steelers will count on Frazier to not only fill the position but also to bring stability to an offensive line that has struggled to protect quarterbacks Wilson and Justin Fields during their first two preseason games.
Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson offered a glimpse into the team’s confidence in Frazier. "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 remarked, highlighting Frazier’s composure under pressure.
Additoinal Injuries Add to the Challenge
The Steelers are grappling with more than just Herbig’s injury. Rookie tackle Troy Fautanu also sustained an injury during Pittsburgh's preseason-opening loss to the Houston Texans and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks. Fautanu’s absence presents another hurdle as the team works to build a cohesive and effective offensive line unit.
Shaping the Offensive Line
With these injuries, the Steelers’ likely starting five include Frazier at center, Fautanu at tackle once he returns from injury, veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, and second-year tackle Broderick Jones. Additionally, Dan Moore Jr. is actively competing to retain his spot in the starting lineup.
This patchwork line will be closely monitored by the coaching staff as the regular season nears. The team’s ability to adapt and protect their quarterbacks will be crucial for their success.
The Steelers’ offensive line performance in the preseason has raised concerns, with the unit struggling to offer adequate protection. This has prompted the coaching staff to emphasize the importance of effective line play and to explore various combinations to ensure the quarterbacks have the necessary time to execute plays.
Looking Forward
As the Steelers approach the regular season, the health and performance of their offensive line will be under continual scrutiny. The team’s resilience and ability to adapt to these changes will be instrumental in navigating the challenges posed by these injuries. With Frazier stepping up and the hope that Fautanu can return swiftly, there lies an opportunity for the team to gel and overcome these early setbacks.
The upcoming games will be critical for the Steelers, serving as a barometer for the revised lineup’s effectiveness and cohesion. The integration of new and returning players will need to be seamless to ensure the protection of their quarterbacks, a pivotal factor in the team’s overall performance.
Conclusion
As the Steelers forge ahead, the team’s ability to adapt to this adversity will be pivotal. The combination of veteran presence and young talent holds promise, but execution will be key. The Steelers’ offensive line, a critical component of their strategy, remains a focal point as they aim to mitigate these early challenges and build a resilient front for the season ahead.