PITTSBURGH — Steelers center Nate Herbig is anticipated to be out for an extended period due to a torn rotator cuff, as confirmed by a source to ESPN. This injury opens the door for rookie center Zach Frazier to take over the starting role.
Herbig, who mainly played center alongside the first-team offensive line during training camp, sustained his injury last week. Head coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged the situation after the Steelers’ preseason defeat to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night, noting that Herbig, 26, is obtaining a second opinion regarding his condition.
Frazier, selected in the second round of the April draft and a former West Virginia player, stepped in for Herbig during the game against the Bills.
“Nate’s got an injury that’s being continually evaluated,” Tomlin stated when asked about Herbig’s status after the game. “I think he’s getting a second opinion. I want to wait for that. I’ll provide more details next time we come together, but I was mostly pleased with Zach’s performance.”
While Frazier was intended to be the future starting center, Herbig’s injury significantly impacts the team’s interior offensive line depth. Last season, Herbig was active for all 17 games and contributed 156 snaps as the team’s top reserve and flexible lineman, a role he was expected to continue this season.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette first reported on Herbig’s injury.
With Herbig sidelined, 2023 seventh-round draft choice Spencer Anderson and 2024 fourth-round pick Mason McCormick are likely contenders to provide additional interior depth alongside Frazier, guards Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels.
Frazier played one series with quarterback Justin Fields in the first preseason game after Herbig and Fields had issues with fumbled snaps during the initial series. Frazier, who started 37 consecutive games at center during his college career, received positive feedback from coaches and teammates throughout training camp for his diligent work ethic and physicality.
“Zach’s a hard worker,” Fields commented. “He’s humble, doesn’t say much, but he really puts in the effort. I’m glad to have him on the offensive line. He’s a strong guy.
“He’s also smart, which is impressive for a rookie. It’s great to watch him controlling the protections. I’ll flip a protection, and he’s already done it before I even have a chance sometimes. Recognizing that level of intelligence from him is definitely encouraging to see.”