BREAKING NEWS: Nate Herbig OUT With Shoulder Injury; Zach Frazier Moved to Starting C
Last week, when the Steelers released their first depth chart of the year, Nate Herbig seemed to have the starting spot at center secured while the coaching staff got to know our second round draft pick from West Virginia, Zach Frazier. Coach Tomlin doesn’t like handing the keys to rookies without them earning their way, and it seemed that was going to be the case for Frazier. However, Nate Herbig suffered a shoulder injury during practice on Wednesday, and according to Gerry Dulac, that injury is expected to keep him out for an extended period of time; at least through the start of the regular season. So, it’s looking like we’re rolling with the rookie for the foreseeable future.
Nate Herbig had a very quiet camp, which, given the nature of his position, is a good thing. If you’re noticing him a bunch out there, it’s probably because he’s struggling. Max Starks also mentioned that Frazier was having communication issues and issues snapping the ball, at times, during camp. However, when the pads were on for stadium play last week against the Texans, it seemed to be the exact opposite. Nate Herbig and Justin Fields couldn’t get on the same page during the snap, leading to two fumbles. When Zach Frazier came in in relief of Herbig, exchanges were handled perfectly, and Frazier looked like a seasoned vet. Obviously, it’s just the preseason, but it certainly felt like a significant upgrade (on the particular day) when Frazier came into the game. He’ll have to continue on that trajectory tonight against the Buffalo Bills to truly ease the minds of yinzers, many of whom are arguing that Herbig’s injury creates a significant depth issue for our offensive line. Given all that I’ve read, it seems like Frazier will get the start with Spencer Anderson moving into that backup center role.
The depth issue is concerning, but we used a second round pick on this kid, Frazier, and that’s not exactly a throwaway pick. That’s significant. It remains to be seen if Zach Frazier can be an every-down-guy, but I certainly expect him to be a bright spot, while Herbig heals up, for an offense that is going to need some time and reps to build any real continuity. Assuming health, I think Frazier is going to do enough to secure the starting spot for the entire year, and it’ll be his spot to lose when Herbig returns. And, there’s nothing wrong with that. Let’s see what this animal can do.
Steelers. Bills. Tonight.
Here. We. Go.
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