Steelers Can’t Catch a Break with O-Line Injuries
LAS VEGAS — Center Zach Frazier is the latest Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman to suffer an injury this season. Outside of Dan Moore Jr., the entire starting offensive line has been hindered with injuries. The unit has already lost Troy Fauntau and James Daniels to season-ending injuries.
Frazier’s left ankle injury suffered in Sunday’s 32-12 win over the Las Vegas Raiders doesn’t appear to be season threatening. Frazier was blocking on a run play and got rolled up on. Evan Washburn said on the CBS broadcast that Frazier took some snaps with Russell Wilson on the sideline and wanted to go back in, but the medical staff held him out.
Ryan McCollum replaced Frazier at center. On the first play after Frazier’s injury, Najee Harris rushed for a 36-yard touchdown off the left side on a toss to advance the Steelers’ lead to 22-7.
“Zach Frazier’s got an ankle injury,” Tomlin said. “It’ll be evaluated. There were some other guys who went out of the game and were able to return. Minkah Fitzpatrick was able to go back with a shoulder. Donte Jackson was able to go back with a shoulder. We’ll keep assessing those things.”
The Steelers are also without two key backup offensive lineman.
In addition to Fautanu and Daniels being out for the season, the Steelers are also without backup center/guard Nate Herbig. He suffered a torn rotator cuff during the final day of Steelers training camp practice at St. Vincent College and was placed on the injured reserve list, ending his 2024 season. Herbig opened training camp as the starting center before losing the starting job to rookie Zach Frazier. He was slotted to be the team’s top interior backup.
Backup tackle Dylan Cook is on the injured reserve list with a Lisfranc injury to his foot, but he was placed on the designated to return list. His return date is unknown.
Broderick Jones hasn’t been fully healthy, either. He had a big brace on his right elbow from the second week of training camp season through the first two weeks of the season. He’s now wearing a rubber elbow pad.
Frazier’s left ankle injury will be something to monitor throughout the week. Tomlin will provide an update during his weekly Tuesday press conference. A long-term injury to Frazier could be devastating for the offensive line. Frazier has provided a big boost to the group, especially in the run game.
In a recent ESPN poll, Frazier ranked sixth among all NFL rookies. The poll took the opinion of five NFL analysts, including ESPN NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid.
“Entering the 2024 draft, it was clear that the Steelers had a huge need at center after releasing Mason Cole in January,” Reid wrote in the poll.
“Pittsburgh found that immediate answer in the second round, as Frazier has arguably been the best rookie offensive lineman of this class. In five starts, Frazier has the 20th-best PBWR (pass block win-rate). The instincts, strength, and toughness he showcased at West Virginia have all carried over early in his pro career.”
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Las Vegas.
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