The Pittsburgh Steelers have been set on revamping the offensive line since General Manager Omar Khan took over in May of 2022. The goal in the Steel City has been quite clear, and that is to get back to old fashioned, ground-and-pound football. That plan was emphasized when Arthur Smith was hired to be the offensive coordinator beginning in the 2024 campaign. It's already been reported that rookie Troy Fautanu will get the nod at right tackle so 2023 first-rounder Broderick Jones can move over to the left permanently. Now, another first-year player is ready to take the next step.
Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman, Broderick Jones (#77) sets up at the line of scrimmage and prepares to block during a 2023 preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette broke some news on Saturday that the depth chart's starting center in Nate Herbig is dealing with an injury and Zach Frazier will be taking over the role moving forward.
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
The line will now officially feature Jones, Fautanu and Frazier. It wasn't necessarily expected that the trio would all be starting Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, but that appears to be the case after Herbig's injury and the commitment to Fautanu over Dan Moore Jr.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers offensive lineman Dan Moore Jr. (#65) walks alone on the field at St. Vincent College during a 2022 training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
This is much more than just Khan's doing. Assistant general manager Andy Weidl is known for building rosters in the trenches, and that's exactly what the Steelers have done since both him and Khan took over the front office. Normally, Pittsburgh waits to give rookies the keys to the kingdom, but Fautanu and Frazier are now expected to be important immediately.
This also raises questions about the team's back-up center. If Herbig is out for several weeks, anything that were to happen to Frazier could result in some chaos. The positive is that James Daniels can also play center in a pinch, which would lead to Fautanu moving to guard and Moore sliding into the lineup at one of the tackle positions. Overall, the coaching staff has options.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A7665-544x306.jpg "Steelers James Daniels")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers guard James Daniels walks on the field at St. Vincent College as the team practices during 2023 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Will Heavily Emphasize Rushing Attack With Smith Calling The Plays
There is no doubt that Pittsburgh's offense is going to focus on running the ball. Smith was very successful during his time with the Tennessee Titans when he forced the ball down opponents' throats on the ground. The play-action will be a big part of the unit, but overall, these three young linemen will be tasked with opening huge holes for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.
Do you think the Steelers' offensive line will be the best it has been in years with Jones, Fautanu and Frazier all starting? Let us know in the comments below!
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