The Pittsburgh Steelers misplaced stud rookie C Zach Frazier to an ankle damage late within the third quarter yesterday. Whereas they soldiered on ably with out him for the ultimate 20 minutes, the query is once they get him again. After the Steelers’ 32-13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, although, no one sounded overly panicked, head coach Mike Tomlin talking briefly and matter-of-factly. His teammate, LT Dan Moore Jr., didn’t make it sound like a long-term situation, both.
“Hopefully, I’m anticipating it to be nothing severe”, he stated of the ankle damage Frazier suffered, through Joe Rutter writing for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Evaluation. “We have now a deep group. Ryan [McCollum] got here in and was greater than succesful. We didn’t miss a beat”.
Previous to Sunday, McCollum had performed only one snap for the Steelers in Week 4 after James Daniels’ damage. They wanted an additional blocker, and he hadn’t ready for that position, and he whiffed on a fourth-down quarterback keeper. However he performed higher at middle filling in for Frazier, to his credit score.
The Steelers didn’t launch a lot video from Moore’s postgame locker room session, so it’s exhausting to gauge tone merely from a transcribed quote. And for those who go searching, you will notice one other variation of this similar quote transcribed otherwise, in case you wish to really feel consolation within the degree of rigor journalists soak up precisely quoting folks. However with what now we have accessible, there appears to be optimism that Frazier gained’t miss a lot time.
The Steelers used three draft picks on offensive lineman this 12 months, with first-round T Troy Fautanu already on IR. Second-round C Zach Frazier is now injured, having performed each snap of the season as much as his ankle damage. Extra just lately, fourth-round G Mason McCormick entered the beginning lineup in Daniels’ place because of damage.
“I really like Zach. I really feel unhealthy for him”, McCormick stated, through the Steelers’ web site. “I don’t know precisely what it’s. I do know he’s powerful and he’ll bounce again.” He additionally expressed confidence in McCollum. “We belief Ryan. Clearly, we’re going to overlook Zach. Ryan will step in and do nice”.
The Steelers entered the offseason with nice offensive line depth, however the damage bug has bitten them exhausting. They have already got two starters out for the 12 months in Daniels and Fautanu, and Nate Herbig is one other important piece out for 2024 due to an damage. Herbig was competing with Zach Frazier for the beginning middle job, and he would have been the highest backup. Even Dylan Cook dinner is on the Reserve/Injured Record, although he’s eligible to return as soon as he resumes practising.
Beginning Ryan McCollum would clearly not be best, however issues may very well be worse. Even shedding Fautanu, the Steelers nonetheless have Broderick Jones, who’s gifted if not flawless. McCormick is stepping up, on the entire, in Daniels’ absence. However how lengthy can they stand up to one more blow? Frazier was arguably their most secure, even finest, lineman this 12 months.
