The Pittsburgh Steelers found a gem at the center position in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft in Zach Frazier. Frazier will undoubtedly be Maurkice Pouncey’s long-term replacement after Pouncey retired after the 2020 season. The Steelers tried their luck with Kendrick Green and Mason Cole for the last three seasons but to no avail.
Frazier has had an incredible start to the 2024 season, showing why he is the future at center. He has allowed four pressures, two hurries, two hits, and zero sacks. He also has a 63.8 pass block, an 84.1 run block, and an 82.2 PFF grade. He ranks fifth in run blocking and fourth in overall grade but does need to improve in the passing game as he’s ranked 22nd out of 39 qualified centers who’ve played over 20% of snaps.
The Steelers couldn’t avoid any more injuries to their injury-depleted offensive line. Unfortunately, their future star suffered an injury in last week’s game. He will miss some time.
The Pittsburgh Steelers rookie exited Week 6 with a lower-leg injury
Zach Frazier suffered an apparent ankle injury after getting rolled up on a run play in the third quarter of their 32-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Frazier took some practice reps with Russell Wilson on the sideline and wanted to return to the game. However, the medical staff stepped in and said no.
According to Jordan Schultz, tests determined he did not suffer any structural damage to his left ankle, which is good news. He is week-to-week, and the Steelers have already ruled him out for their Week 7 game against the New York Jets on Sunday night. If he misses an additional week, they have a BYE in Week 9, and hopefully, he’s ready for Week 10.
The team revealed his replacement.
Zach Frazier’s replacement revealed
Mike Tomlin announced that Ryan McCollum will replace Zach Frazier in the starting rotation. McCollum’s last start came in 2021 when he was a member of the Detroit Lions, who started at center in Week 14. Since then, he spent the 2022 offseason with the Lions, but they released him in August.
The Pittsburgh Steelers claimed him off waivers, and he bounced around on their practice squad during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He made the 53-man roster as the backup center. He played their final 19 snaps of last week.
Mike Tomlin praised Ryan McCollum for his abilities as a communicator
“I’ve liked what I’ve seen from him in general,” Tomlin said. “He’s a high intensity guy, a heck of a communicator. He’s mature beyond his years. That’s why we were all comfortable continuing to operate the way we did a week ago, and that’s why I’m excited for the opportunity that is there for him.”