Pittsburgh Review

When the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Zach Frazier in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, there was speculation about him eventually becoming the team's starting center. This transition appears to be happening sooner than expected.

On Tuesday, the Steelers placed fellow center Nate Herbig on the Reserve/Injured List, positioning Frazier as the likely successor. Coach Mike Tomlin has expressed satisfaction with Frazier's performance thus far.

"I don't know that any of it has been surprising, just the close proximity to Morgantown and the relationships we have there," said Tomlin. "He is as advertised. He is mature beyond his football years. He is highly competitive. He has really good leverage."

Frazier will finalize his preparation for this role when the Steelers travel to Detroit for their preseason finale on Saturday. Despite Herbig's injury, he continues to assist Frazier in his development.

"I would never wish that on anyone," said Frazier regarding Herbig's injury. "I feel really bad for Nate. He's really helped me out a lot... I wouldn't be as far as I am right now without him."

Frazier started last week against the Buffalo Bills after Herbig's injury and acknowledges both successes and areas needing improvement in his play.

"I definitely had some good plays and some plays I want back," said Frazier. "I'm always going to be hard (on myself). I'm my biggest critic."

Tomlin also addressed concerns about quarterback protection following four sacks allowed by the offensive line in their recent game against Buffalo.

"We've got to do a better job in pass protection than we did," said Tomlin.

Veteran guard James Daniels echoed this sentiment, emphasizing technique improvements needed to protect their quarterbacks better.

"It's just technique issues... That's why it's the preseason. We have to keep working, keep practicing," Daniels stated.

Daniels also highlighted rookie center Zach Frazier’s leadership qualities on the field despite his limited experience due to Herbig’s injury.

"He's been doing a great job verbally," said Daniels. "Whenever we're out there, he's the leader of the line and he's been commanding us."

In other roster moves, the Steelers signed defensive lineman Marcus Haynes and linebacker Kyahva Tezino while releasing cornerback Anthony Averett.

Haynes previously spent time with both Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns practice squads after signing as an undrafted free agent post-2023 NFL Draft. Tezino had stints with New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers practice squad, San Francisco 49ers, and Pittsburgh Maulers in USFL following his college career at San Diego State where he earned first-team All-Mountain West honors in 2018 and 2019.

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