Nate Herbig's Season Ends Abruptly
In a significant blow to the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line, veteran interior offensive lineman Nate Herbig has suffered a season-ending injury. Herbig, who tore his rotator cuff during the final training camp practice, has been placed on injured reserve, effectively sidelining him for the entire season.
Herbig, at 26 years old and a six-year NFL veteran, was in the midst of transitioning to the center position. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated versatility and resilience, playing 61 regular-season games and starting in 30 of them. His experience and skill set were expected to bolster Pittsburgh's offensive front, but the injury has abruptly put an end to those plans.
With Herbig out of the picture, the Steelers have turned to rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier to fill the void. Frazier, who showcased his potential during his first career start in a preseason loss against the Buffalo Bills, is now thrust into the spotlight as the new starting center. The young player has already captured attention with his poise and performance.
As veteran quarterback Russell Wilson noted, "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 concerns for the Steelers don't end with Herbig's injury. Rookie tackle Troy Fautanu also sustained an injury during Pittsburgh's preseason-opening loss to the Houston Texans. While the severity of Fautanu's injury will keep him out for several weeks, his absence further compounds the challenge for the ailing offensive line.
Fautanu is expected to rejoin the likely starting five once he recovers. The projected lineup includes Frazier at center, veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, and second-year tackle Broderick Jones. Additionally, Dan Moore Jr. is in active competition to retain his spot in the starting lineup, a testament to the high stakes and intensity within the team's camp.
The collective struggle of the offensive line has been palpable during the preseason, with the unit failing to provide adequate protection for quarterbacks Wilson and Justin Fields in their first two games. The coaching staff is well aware that the performance of the offensive line is crucial as the regular season approaches.
The Steelers are left to navigate these challenges and uncertainties while monitoring the health and performance of their linemen closely. The hope is that the infusion of youth and the return of injured players will help solidify the line. As the team prepares for the start of the season, the resilience and adaptability of the offensive line will be under the microscope.