Steelers Lose Outstanding Rookie Zach Frazier For Week 7 Among Other Injuries

The Pittsburgh Steelers finally had a clean, effective win as they beat the Las Vegas Raiders by a score of 32-13 on Sunday. The offensive line did an overall good job, especially with run blocking. The defense carried as usual, as they forced three turnovers, and Jeremiah Moon even blocked a punt to set the Steelers up with first and goal. Despite the great game, it's not a normal week in Pittsburgh in 2024 without a major part of the team going down with injury. 

During his Tomlin Tuesdays press conference, Mike Tomlin went down the injury list as usual. Zach Frazier, who suffered an ankle injury during the game, was already considered to be out for the team's upcoming Week 7 game against the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football. Ryan McCollum replaced Frazier in the game, and he will be expected to start for him. 

Frazier has been a dominant force in the middle of the offensive line. There has been nothing but praise and compliments on how he has played throughout his rookie season. Injuries and inconsistencies have plagued the offensive line since training camp. Frazier was the one reliable player on all accounts, but now, he joins the long list of injured Steelers players. McCollum played well in relief, but how will he fare as a starter? 

With Frazier out, McCollum will have a tough task ahead of him. While the Jets do have a high-end defense, they also have an elite nose tackle in Quinnen Williams. It's already hard enough to lose a great center, but when you have someone like Williams up against you, it makes life so much harder. Isaac Seumalo and/or Mason McCormick will most likely have to help double-team him, which could open up holes elsewhere.

Steelers' Many Other Injury Updates

Nick Herbig, who missed Week 6 with a hamstring injury, is already categorized as out and will miss his second straight game. He suffered the hamstring injury during the team's loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Muscle injuries are sometimes finicky and can linger, so who knows how long he will be affected by it. Hopefully, he can come back soon and give the team the depth that they desperately need. Luckily, Herbig and Frazier are the only ones listed as out.

Tomlin mentioned that he was "really optimistic" about Alex Highsmith returning. That should help to give the pass rush the extra little boost that it needs from the edge. Highsmith previously stated that he would only return if he was 100% healthy, so it seems like he should have no setbacks as he gears up to play against the Jets. The Steelers also cut Adetokunbo Ogundeji from the active roster, which would indicate that Highsmith is ready to return. 

Cordarrelle Patterson has not been given an injury designation yet as he tries to work his way back from the injury that he suffered in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts. Even though Jaylen Warren made his return and Najee Harris had a great game in Las Vegas, the Steelers could still use that pure speed element in the run game. At the very least, Patterson has been an amazing change-of-pace depth back that has plenty of value to the team. 

MyCole Pruitt and Damontae Kazee are both expected to get some practice reps in this week. Pruitt has missed nearly the entire season, which has led to an uptick in reps for Connor Heyward. Meanwhile, Kazee should be close to fully recovering from his ankle injury when he rolled it in Week 5 warmups. The Steelers are finally starting to get somewhat healthy.

After participating in practice before Week 6, Russell Wilson will now get the opportunity to be the starting quarterback. He seems to be completely healed up from his calf injury, although there is a lot of controversy on who should start. Justin Fields has done a solid job as the backup, but is it really the right move to bench him for the veteran?

What do you think about all the injuries for the Steelers? Let us know in the comments.

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