PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh Steelers rookie starting center Zach Frazier revealed after Wednesday’s practice that he anticipates playing on Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Frazier, who missed the last two games with a left ankle injury, was expected to return after the bye week.
“I had some people bull rush me just to feel it,” Frazier said. “It felt good to me, so I am good. But I think that’s kind of the thing … you just want to feel it one time just to feel it and make sure it’s good. It’s just a getting-back-into-football-shape kind of thing, just extra conditioning trying to catch back up. And then just trusting (the ankle) again.”
Frazier returned to practice on Monday for the first time as he works his way back from an ankle injury. Frazier was back in his usual spot at the Steelers starting center, alongside left guard Isaac Seumalo at practice on Monday.
The Steelers’ second-round rookie started the first six games of the season, but suffered an ankle injury against the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 13 and missed the team’s last two weeks. Ryan McCollum started at center in his place.
In a recent ESPN poll, Frazier ranked sixth among all NFL rookies. The poll took the opinion of five NFL analysts, including ESPN NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid.
“Entering the 2024 draft, it was clear that the Steelers had a huge need at center after releasing Mason Cole in January,” Reid wrote in the poll.
“Pittsburgh found that immediate answer in the second round, as Frazier has arguably been the best rookie offensive lineman of this class. In five starts, Frazier has the 20th-best PBWR (pass block win-rate). The instincts, strength, and toughness he showcased at West Virginia have all carried over early in his pro career.”
Frazier was also named to Dane Brugler of The Athletic’s midseason All-Rookie team. Frazier is looking forward to getting back on the field and continuing his impressive rookie campaign.
“It wasn’t too fun,” Frazier said of the time missed, “but I got through it.”
