Mike Tomlin is known for bringing his rookies along slowly, and that appeared to be his approach with rookie center Zach Frazier this season. But an injury to veteran offensive lineman Nate Herbig has foiled that plan.
Herbig worked with the first team throughout training camp until sustaining a shoulder injury in practice on Aug. 11.
Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote in a tweet that Herbig’s “significant” injury will sideline him for an extended period of time, if not the season.
The sixth-year lineman started the Steelers’ first preseason game last week and had a forgettable outing, mishandling two snaps that resulted in fumbles by quarterback Justin Fields.
Herbig’s injury cuts into the depth of Pittsburgh’s offensive line. Though Frazier was inevitably expected to become the starting center, Herbig was slated as the backup at both right and left guard and center.
Expect the Steelers to be working out offensive linemen this week to bolster their depth.
Nate Herbig, the starting center since the beginning of training camp, has a significant shoulder injury that will keep him out for an extended period of time, per sources. That means rookie Zach Frazier becomes the starter and will begin the regular season there.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) August 17, 2024
