The Pittsburgh Steelers were bitten by the injury bug early in the 2024 season. After losing three of their top six offensive linemen for the season, this team was one injury away from a disastrous situation. Unfortunately, that's where they stand right now.
In Pittsburgh's Week 6 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, rookie center Zach Frazier had his ankle rolled up on, and the latest reports suggest he will be out until after the Steelers' bye week.
Thankfully, Frazier is the only player who left Sunday's contest and didn't return. But early in the week, we are seeing an unexpected name on the Steelers' injury report.
Latest Steelers injury report is a discouraging sight
Player | Position | Injury | Wed |
|---|---|---|---|
Najee Harris | RB | Ribs | DNP |
Damontae Kazee | S | Ankle | DNP |
Nick Herbig | EDGE | Hamstring | DNP |
Zach Frazier | C | Ankle | DNP |
Alex Highsmith | EDGE | Groin | LP |
Isaac Seumalo | OG | NIR- Rest | DNP |
MyCole Pruitt | TE | Knee | FP |
Cordarrelle Patterson | RB/KR | Ankle | DNP |
T.J. Watt | EDGE | NIR - Rest | DNP |
Cameron Heyward | DL | NIR - Rest | DNP |
Larry Ogunjobi | DT | NIR - Rest | DNP |
After a career performance that included 14 carries for 106 yards and a touchdown, running back Najee Harris popped up on the injury report on Wednesday with a rib ailment.
While he's not expected to miss the game against the Jets on Sunday Night Football, his injury status is a bit of a concern considering Cordarrelle Patterson is still out with an ankle injury and Jaylen Warren isn't yet up to speed from the hamstring and knee injury he suffered early this year.
In addition to these injuries, Nick Herbig still isn't practicing after suffering a hamstring injury, while Damontae Kazee missed practice with an ankle injury. Fortunately, Alex Highsmith returned to practice on a limited basis, while MyCole Pruitt was a full participant for the first time since his knee injury.
Steelers offensive line is in shambles
With Troy Fautanu, James Daniels, and Nick Herbig already out for the season, the Pittsburgh Steelers could ill-afford another injury along the offensive line. Unfortunately, spectacular rookie center Zach Frazier is going to miss some time.
Frazier was brilliant early in his first NFL season before leaving the Week 6 contest against the Raiders early with an ankle injury. The outlook on the offensive line is now as scary as anyone could have predicted.
From left to right, the Steelers will be starting Dan Moore Jr., Isaac Seumalo, Ryan McCollum, Mason McCormick, and Broderick Jones. Moore has come back down to earth after a strong start, while Jones continues to struggle mightily with his assignments.
To begin the year, McCollum was third in line at center, but injuries to both Frazier and Herbig have forced him to see the field. He will start until Frazier is ready to return.
Things could always get worse on the injury front, but the Steelers have had it rough with injuries across the offensive line. They will have their work cut out for them this week as this patchwork OL tries to hold up against Quinnen Williams and a talented Jets defensive line.