Steelers Center Zach Frazier Leaves Game with Ankle Injury
LAS VEGAS – Pittsburgh Steelers rookie center Zach Frazier suffered a left ankle injury late in the third quarter of Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. He was listed as questionable to return by the Steelers initially and then downgraded to doubtful.
Frazier was blocking and got rolled up on. He was helped to his feet and walked off with some assistance. Evan Washburn said on the CBS broadcast that Frazier took some snaps with Russell Wilson on the sideline and wanted to go back in, but the medical staff wanted to get a further evaluation in the locker room.
Steelers center Zach Frazier sustained an ankle injury and is questionable to return, @SteelersPRBurt.
— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) October 13, 2024
Ryan McCollum replaced Frazier at center. On the first play after Frazier’s injury, Najee Harris rushed for a 37-yard touchdown off the left side on a toss to advance the Steelers’ lead to 22-7.
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.”
While Frazier is still very early in his NFL career, one Steelers legend is already sold on the rookie as the next great Pittsburgh center. Maurkice Pouncey, a man who knows what it’s like to have success as a center for Pittsburgh, praised Frazier recently.
During an appearance on Ben Roethlisberger’s podcast “Footbahlin,”Pouncey was asked what he thinks of Frazier so far.
“I met this kid, and I’ve been watching him play football in West Virginia. I think he’s going to be a solid kid. Man, he’s going to be great. I’ve seen a couple of pancakes,” responded the nine-time Pro Bowler.
Pouncey then added even more and gave his official stamp of approval.
“The game will slow down for him as he grows, but he has all the physical and mental abilities to be a great football player. Omar [Khan] came and had me personally go talk to him, so obviously, the Steelers think highly of him. I’m on board with him, 100%.”
After being drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Frazier moved into the starting role due to an injury to incumbent Nate Herbig.
Find more coverage of Zach Frazier at WV Sports Now.
Alan Saunders of our partner Steelers Now contributed reporting for this story.
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