PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have placed center/guard Nate Herbig on the injured list, likely ending his 2024 season with the club.
Herbig suffered a torn rotator cuff on the final day of the Steelers’ training camp at St. Vincent College last Wednesday and has not practiced since. Head coach Mike Tomlin said after Herbig missed Saturday’s preseason game against the Buffalo Bills that he would seek a second opinion.
When rotator cuff injuries require surgery, recovery takes an average of 28 weeks, according to a 2023 study. That would keep Herbig busy until mid-February, well past the end of the 2024 season. Because he was placed on the injured list before the 90-player cut date, Herbig cannot return to the Steelers from the injured list this season.
If Herbig does not need surgery, the recovery time could be closer to 10 weeks. The Steelers could reach an agreement to take him off the injured list in that case. After the agreement period, Herbig would then be free to sign with another team. Herbig is in the final season of a two-year, $8 million contract with the Steelers and is expected to become a free agent in March.
Pittsburgh Steelers centers Zach Frazier and Nate Herbig before a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on August 17, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
With Herbig out, the Steelers will rely on second-round rookie Zach Frazier from West Virginia at center. They may need to find a replacement, although guards Spencer Anderson and Mason McCormick have rarely worked the position in the past. Ryan McCollum is a longtime member of the Steelers’ practice squad and could also be an option.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS INJURY REPORT
