The Pittsburgh Steelers' starting center, rookie Zach Frazier, exited the Week 6 game against the Las Vegas Raiders early due to an ankle injury, leaving his status up in the air for Week 7.
Frazier played 48 snaps in the 32-13 win over the Raiders but was pulled from the game in the third quarter after sustaining the injury. It was scary at first, as Frazier's leg got rolled up on and he was in obvious pain.
Thankfully, Frazier was active on the sideline in the wake of his exiting the field and had clearly avoided a major injury. However, that doesn't mean he isn't going to miss time.
Zach Frazier injury update
According to FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz, Frazier's ankle injury leaves him week-to-week, but the good news is there is no structural damange.
"Source: Steelers rookie starting center Zach Frazier suffered an ankle injury on Sunday against the Raiders and is considered week-to-week," Schultz reported. There’s no structural damage."
The Steelers' offensive line, which has been shaky all season, has been absolutely ravaged by injuries in 2024. Troy Fautanu, who was set to take over as the starter at right tackle, was lost for the season, as was veteran guard James Daniels.
Pittsburgh also lost Isaac Seumalo for the first four games before he returned in Week 5.
Frazier has been sensational in his first season and a major bright spot. The West Virginia product has started in all six games and has posted Pro Football Focus grades of 84.1 in run-blocking and 63.8 in pass-blocking while not giving up a single sack and just four pressures.
Upon his exit from the game, Frazier was replaced by Ryan McCollum, who we would assume fills the void if the rookie does in fact miss time. McCollum didn't give up a sack or pressure in relief of Frazier and posted an impressive pass protection grade of 77.8, per PFF.
