This story was originally published by Dead Spin
Pittsburgh Steelers center Nate Herbig could miss the season with a torn rotator cuff, multiple outlets reported, and running back Jaylen Warren is likely out “multiple weeks” with a hamstring injury.
Rookie Zach Frazier, a second-round pick from West Virginia, could be thrust into an immediate starting role in Herbig’s spot.
The Steelers are reportedly awaiting a second opinion on the extent of the injury to Herbig.
He was hurt last week in practice, coach Mike Tomlin confirmed after Saturday’s preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills.
“Nate’s got an injury that’s being continually evaluated,” Tomlin said. “I think he’s getting a second opinion. I want to wait to that. I’ll give you guys some information probably the next time we come together, but I was largely satisfied with the work that I saw from Zach.”
Warren was pegged to be the RB1 for Pittsburgh after he rushed for 784 yards and four touchdowns last season, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. He also hauled in 61 receptions for 370 yards. Tomlin said the Steelers would wait for an evaluation before any consideration is given to resetting the depth chart at the position, with Najee Harris in line to return to the starting role if Warren can’t play Sept. 8 at Atlanta in the regular-season opener, as ESPN reported Monday.
Herbig mostly played guard during his first five seasons in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles (2019-21), New York Jets (2022) and Steelers but had worked in camp as the first-team center.
He played in all 17 games (two starts) in his first season with Pittsburgh in 2023 and has played in 61 games (30 starts) since signing with Philadelphia as an undrafted free agent in 2019.
Frazier, 22, was a first-team All-Big 12 selection with the Mountaineers in 2023. He started 37 consecutive games at West Virginia.
–Field Level Media
