It's been a promising start for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who, at 6-2, have exceeded expectations on their way to the middle of the AFC playoff picture.
However, it hasn't come without adversity. Injuries have struck much of the roster, particularly along the offensive line. Right tackle Troy Fautanu and right guard James Daniels' seasons are over. Center Nate Herbig is out, too, and left guard Isaac Seumalo missed the first month of the season.
Rookie center Zach Frazier, the team's second-round pick, joined the laundry list of injuries after Week 6's win over the Las Vegas Raiders when an ankle injury sidelined him.
On Monday, though, Frazier returned to the practice field.
While nothing's official, and Pittsburgh may be coy until injury reports later in the week, it seems likely that Frazier returns to game action in Week 10.
Zach Frazier is back pic.twitter.com/gtm5yW29ZL
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) November 4, 2024
Against a dangerous Washington Commanders offense, the Steelers will need all the help they can get.
Led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, Washington is averaging more touchdowns (3.0) than punts (2.1) per game and setting the league on fire in the process. This is the toughest offense Pittsburgh has had to prepare for this season, and the offense may have to put forth its best effort of the young campaign.
Getting Frazier back is a big step toward operating at full strength.
While Frazier has been strong in both phases, the upgrade he presents over backup Ryan McCollum is noteworthy in itself. The depth lineman was manhandled at times during the Steelers' last contest when New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence wreaked havoc for four quarters.
The Commanders won't offer the same challenge in the trenches, but as Pittsburgh stares down the league's most daunting second-half schedule, it will take all the reinforcements it can get. The Steelers will have until 4 p.m. (ET) on Tuesday to acquire additional help via trade.
