Zach

Frazier

The Steelers get their bullying rookie center back in time to face an ascending Commanders defense. Frazier has already proven himself worthy of his second-round draft capital. Expect to see him clearing lanes for Najee Harris on Sunday.

The Steelers center appears likely to return this week. He sat out Weeks 7-8 and was evidently able to heal up during the team’s Week 9 bye. His return provides a big blocking boost for both Russell Wilson and Najee Harris.

Frazier becomes the latest offensive lineman for the Steelers to get shelved due to injury. The rookie second-rounder did not suffer any structural damage to his ankle, per Schultz, but will miss at least one game due to his injury. The rookie has started all six games the Steelers have played in this season and has earned a PFF blocking grade of 82.2 and an 84.1 run-blocking grade.

The Steelers’ starting center got his ankle rolled up on during a run in the third quarter and had to be helped off the field by two trainers. Although Frazier had his ankle taped up and wanted to go back into the game, the Steelers opted to send him to the locker room for more evaluation. With Pittsburgh up 22-7 at that point, it’s possible the team was just being cautious. They will now turn to third-string center Ryan McCollum since Nate Herbig is on the IR with a shoulder injury of his own.

The report comes from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac. Herbig’s injury elevates second-round rookie Zach Frazier to the starting role. Among 39 Power Five centers with at least 800 offensive snaps last year, Frazier ranks top 12 in both pass protection (83.8 PFF pass-blocking grade) and run blocking (74.8 PFF run-blocking grade) per PFF.

A four-time West Virginia high school state wrestling champion, Frazier only lost two matches in his entire high school career. He became an instant fixture as a true freshman in 2020, starting eight games at left guard and allowing just one sack on 368 pass reps. Like some of his IOL contemporaries, Frazier went through position drills at the Combine, displaying excellent movement skills and agility in the process, but chose to only bench, which he put up 30 times (88th%). An astute processor, the three-time Academic All-Big 12 lineman utilizes his advanced understanding of leverage from his wrestling days to wrangle opponents and finish them with tenacity. His somewhat stubby 32.25” arms can inhibit Frazier from stunning opponents with first contact, but his giant 10.875” hands are difficult to dislodge once latched on. Isn’t lightning quick off the snap, but precise angles, fluid hips, and a punishing mentality versus the run make up for it. Frazier is a smart, disciplined and pugnacious center who could help bring immediate stability to an NFL line that is looking for a true war daddy on the interior.