Steelers place experienced center Nate Herbig on the injured list, clearing the way for rookie Zach Frazier

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers placed veteran center Nate Herbig on the injured list on Tuesday, clearing the way for rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier to play when Pittsburgh opens the season on Sept. 8 at Atlanta.

Herbig injured his shoulder on the final day of training camp at Saint Vincent College last week and did not play in Saturday’s 9-3 loss to Buffalo. Frazier, a second-round pick from West Virginia, was named in Herbig’s place and was one of the bright spots in an otherwise shaky offensive line performance.

Pittsburgh’s long-term plan was for Frazier to eventually take Herbig’s place. The injury accelerated that process.

“I think (Frazier is) a very mature guy,” Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said. “It’s a lot. You ask a lot of your centers. But I would say of all our rookies, he’s probably the most prepared. And we thought when we drafted him and since he’s been in this building, he’s everything you’d expect him to be.”

Pittsburgh made some more roster moves on Tuesday, signing defensive lineman Marcus Haynes and linebacker Kyahva Tezino. The Steelers also terminated the contract of cornerback Anthony Averett.

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