Health has not been with the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line in 2024, and Zach Frazier is the unit’s latest casualty.
Pittsburgh has suffered several significant O-line injuries, including losing starting center Nate Herbig (shoulder), guard James Daniels (Achilles) and rookie tackle Troy Fautanu (knee).
According to Fox Sports’ insider Jordan Schultz, it’s a week-to-week ankle injury for the standout rookie. Given the look of the play in which the injury occurred, it’s actually good news.
The Steelers have been desperate for a franchise center since Maurkice Pouncey’s retirement, and the second-round Frazier has fit the bill. Six games into what could be a whopper of a career, Frazier is rightfully heralded as the line’s best player. His 82.2 grade from Pro Football Focus — a rookie center best — is highlighted by zero sacks allowed.
According to the 33rd Team, Frazier allowed no pressures on 26 pass attempts by Raiders quarterback Aiden O’Connell before exiting the game.
The timing of their bye week — two games after back-to-back prime-time matchups versus the state of New York — could come in handy. The Steelers have a brutal stretch of games that Frazier needs to be at his best after their Week 9 break.
Mike Tomlin could shed more light on Frazier’s injury during his weekly press conference on Tuesday.
Source: #Steelers rookie starting center Zach Frazier suffered an ankle injury on Sunday against the Raiders and is considered week-to-week. There’s no structural damage.
Frazier has started all six games this season and has posted an impressive 82.2 PFF grade. pic.twitter.com/srXy4vd5lS
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 14, 2024
