The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a significant challenge as they head into the new NFL season with their offensive line in disarray. The team recently lost veteran interior lineman Nate Herbig to a torn rotator cuff. The injury occurred during the final training camp practice, and Herbig is expected to miss the entire regular season.
This setback couldn't have come at a worse time for the Steelers. At just 26 years old, Herbig was poised to become their starting center, bringing with him experience from 61 regular-season games and 30 starts. Up until now, Herbig had predominantly played as a guard throughout his first five seasons in the league, but his transition to center was seen as a cornerstone in solidifying Pittsburgh's offensive line.
A Rookie Steps Up
In the wake of Herbig’s injury, rookie Zach Frazier, a second-round draft pick, has been called upon to fill the crucial position. Frazier made his first career start in Saturday night's preseason clash against the Buffalo Bills. Though young, Frazier has shown considerable promise and poise under pressure. As Russell Wilson put it, "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."
Head coach Mike Tomlin and his staff will be keenly observing Frazier's development as the season approaches. The rookie’s performance could spell the difference between a solid offensive line and one that struggles to provide adequate protection for the quarterback and create running lanes for the backs.
More Injury Woes
The offensive line's troubles don't stop with Herbig. Rookie tackle Troy Fautanu is also sidelined, having suffered an injury in the preseason opener against the Houston Texans. Initial assessments suggest Fautanu will be out for several weeks, adding another layer of complexity to the Steelers’ preparations.
Possible Lineup Configuration
With these injuries, the Steelers are now looking at a revamped offensive line configuration. Alongside Frazier at center, veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo are likely to hold down the fort. Second-year tackle Broderick Jones is another solid option, while Dan Moore Jr., a five-year veteran, is battling to retain his starting spot.
The combination of rookies and seasoned players might provide a balanced approach, but it will also test the coaching staff’s ability to foster cohesion and efficiency in the line quickly. They must ensure that these players not only understand the playbook but also develop the necessary chemistry to perform under the intense pressure of regular-season games.
The Steelers' management and fans alike will be monitoring these developments closely. The success of the offensive line is critical for orchestrating a potent offense capable of executing complex plays and sustaining drives. As the season opener draws near, Pittsburgh is racing against time to put together a unit that can withstand the demands of NFL competition.
As they say in the pros, it’s not just about the next man up—it's about the right man up. How well Frazier and the newly configured line adapt to their roles will be crucial in determining the Steelers’ fate this season. One thing is clear: Pittsburgh faces an uphill battle, but within adversity lies the opportunity for players to rise to the occasion.