The Pittsburgh Steelers have been dealt a significant setback with the loss of their veteran interior lineman, Nate Herbig. The 26-year-old, who was poised to take on the role of the team’s starting center, suffered a torn rotator cuff during the final training camp practice. This devastating injury means Herbig will be missing the entire regular season, a huge blow to the team's offensive line strategy.
Herbig, who spent his first five seasons primarily as a guard, had accumulated significant experience with 61 regular-season games and 30 starts under his belt. His transition to center was not just a testament to his versatility but also a crucial part of the Steelers' plan to solidify their offensive line.
In the wake of Herbig’s injury, the Steelers have turned to rookie second-round pick, Zach Frazier, to fill the void. Frazier stepped up to make his first career start in the recent preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. Despite his inexperience, early signs suggest that Frazier may be up to the challenge.
Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson’s observations provide a glimpse into Frazier’s potential. "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. Such comments offer a reassuring note to Steelers fans hoping for a seamless transition.
However, Herbig’s injury is not the only setback the Steelers face. Rookie tackle Troy Fautanu also sustained an injury during the preseason opener against the Houston Texans. Fautanu is expected to be sidelined for several weeks, further straining the team’s depth on the offensive line.
Given these circumstances, the Steelers’ offensive line will have to reconfigure its lineup. The anticipated group might include Frazier at center, veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, and second-year tackle Broderick Jones. This lineup, though unproven, has the potential to provide sufficient protection and create gaps for the running game.
Adding to the competitive environment, five-year offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. is in a battle to retain his spot in the starting lineup. With positions still up for grabs and injuries in play, every practice and game will be crucial as the Steelers finalize their starting roster.
While Herbig's absence is a significant blow, the resilience of this team can never be underestimated. It's a long season, and the Steelers have shown time and again that they can adapt to adversity. The upcoming games will serve as a testing ground for Frazier and the reshuffled offensive line, and only time will tell how well they can gel to protect their quarterback and drive the offense forward.