Pittsburgh Steelers C Zach Frazier emerged as probably the greatest facilities within the NFL as a rookie, and he did so whereas enjoying by way of ache. Talking to reporters throughout Pittsburgh’s obligatory minicamp, offensive line coach Pat Meyer revealed that Frazier, who missed two video games with an ankle damage, was coping with an damage over the “final 4 or 5” weeks of the season.
“These guys are getting banged up on each play. I do know down the tip, like I feel Zach [Frazier] had an ankle for the final 4 or 5 weeks. It’s stuff that you just’re gonna cope with,” Meyer mentioned by way of Put up-Gazette Sports activities on YouTube.
Frazier was by no means listed on the group’s damage report, and it’s doubtless the damage was extra within the nature of the bumps and bruises that each participant offers with all through the course of the season moderately than something vital. Nonetheless, it’s notable for Meyer to say it, and it’s price questioning whether or not it was the identical ankle that Frazier injured in Week 6 in opposition to the Las Vegas Raiders that triggered him to overlook the following two video games.
There’s nothing indicating that Frazier’s ankle might be an issue long-term, however two ankle accidents in the identical season is price noting. At Mike Tomlin’s finish of season press convention, he mentioned that Pittsburgh’s younger offensive line, which additionally featured rookie OG Mason McCormick, might have gotten drained by the tip of the 12 months which led to some struggles. If Frazier was enjoying by way of ache, that might be extra of a purpose for his dip in play towards the tip of the season.
Frazier didn’t even actually battle all that a lot towards the tip of the season, however his worst sport got here in Week 15 in opposition to the Philadelphia Eagles, in accordance with PFF. A rookie going up in opposition to Philadelphia’s menacing defensive entrance led by Jalen Carter doesn’t make that a lot of a shock, and there isn’t actually any concern for Frazier heading into 2025. But when he was harm late within the 12 months, then having him again wholesome goes to lift his ceiling lots greater.
PFF lately named Zach Frazier the third-best middle within the NFL, and if he’s wholesome for a full season and isn’t enjoying by way of an damage, there’s an actual probability he can ascend to that No. 1 spot. Pittsburgh’s been lacking a official starter at middle ever since Maurkice Pouncey retired. Frazier looks like he might be subsequent in line to proceed Pittsburgh’s proud custom of star facilities.
