Pittsburgh Steelers rookie C Zach Frazier stepped into the starting lineup immediately, sidelined recently only by an ankle injury. And he should be making his return shortly—thanks to a previous injury, which likely prevented a season-ending one this time. After missing the past two games, he plans to return to the field after the bye against the Washington Commanders.
“That’s what I’m shooting for,” Frazier told Tim Benz, when asked about potentially playing in the Steelers’ next game. He described himself as “optimistic” about being able to return, which would mean missing just two games.
A second-round pick out of West Virginia, Zach Frazier started the first six games of the season. He played every single snap for the Steelers before suffering an ankle injury in the second half in Week 6. Ryan McCollum has filled in since he went down and performed ably.
But getting Frazier back in the starting lineup would be a big boost. Prior to his injury, he was arguably the Steelers’ best lineman, which is impressive for a rookie. They prioritized upgrading at the center position this offseason, and he certainly fit the bill.
While the Steelers are on their bye, Zach Frazier doesn’t plan on going anywhere. He said he was going to stay in Pittsburgh to rehab his injury with an aim toward playing against the Commanders. “That is the goal”, he said. “I’m getting better every day. Sticking with the rehab and trusting it. I think I’ll be ready”.
Considering that the Steelers have already lost two starting linemen to more serious injuries, they could certainly use Zach Frazier. Fellow rookie RT Troy Fautanu went down with a knee injury in practice after making his first NFL start. A few weeks later, RG James Daniels suffered a season-ending injury. The Steelers also played the first four games without LG Isaac Seumalo, though he has since hit his stride.
All things considered, the Steelers’ line has held up surprisingly well without continuity. That is a credit to guys like McCollum and Mason McCormick, who stepped in after guys like Frazier and Daniels went down.
As a team, the Steelers have put up over 400 yards of offense over the last two weeks without Frazier. They have averaged over 250 passing yards and over 150 rushing yards during that time. That’s not to say that they can’t produce at the same level with Frazier back, of course.
The bigger variable is obviously Russell Wilson entering the starting lineup at quarterback. But that is yet another center-quarterback pairing that the Steelers will have to adjust to. Many blame Justin Fields for previous issues, but Frazier wasn’t blameless, either. It’s all a part of the process of a rookie learning in the NFL.
