The Pittsburgh Steelers had a surprising addition to their injury report to open practice this week. Center Zach Frazier was limited Wednesday because of a calf injury.
The ailment didn’t seem to be any better for Frazier a day later. If anything, it was worse.
According to the team’s official injury report, Frazier didn’t practice at all Thursday.
But also on Thursday, the center addressed the injury in front of reporters, suggesting he will be able to play against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
“Steelers C Zach Frazier said his calf injury happened on the second drive of the Bengals game,” ESPN’s Brooke Pryor reported on social media. “He said it feels ‘sore’ but thinks he’ll be OK.”
Despite the injury, Frazier didn’t miss a snap against the Cincinnati Bengals last Thursday. The center has lined up for 99.1% of the team’s offensive snaps through six games this season.
Steelers’ Zach Frazier Dealing With Calf Injury Ahead of Packers Matchup
Even though his calf issue occurred last week, Frazier’s injury popped up a little out of nowhere. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters last Thursday after the team’s game against the Bengals and again Tuesday that the team didn’t have any new injuries besides the typical “bumps and bruises” associated with play.
Frazier’s calf injury, though, appears to be more than the typical bump or bruise. The second-year offensive lineman hasn’t fully practiced despite the injury occurring a week ago.
The center did his best to reassure the public he would be able to play. His practice participation Friday, though, will be a clearer indication of how serious the calf injury is.
The Steelers will also list his official game status after Friday’s practice.
Frazier has started since Week 1 of his rookie season last year for the Steelers. He suffered what appeared to be a pretty serious ankle injury during the 2024 campaign. But Frazier only missed two contests because of the ailment.
The Steelers drafted Frazier at No. 51 overall in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He has been an anchor for Pittsburgh’s young offensive line.
Who Could Replace Zach Frazier in Week 8?
If Frazier can’t play Sunday night against the Packers, Ryan McCollum will likely get his first start of 2025. McCollum started at center in both games Frazier missed last year.
McCollum has dressed for all six Steelers games this season. He has played three offensive snaps and 28 snaps on special teams.
The 27-year-old backup is in his fifth NFL season. He went undrafted in 2021 and made his league debut with the Detroit Lions during his rookie season.
McCollum has appeared in 36 NFL games, starting three contests.
Steelers’ Zach Frazier Gets Honest on Surprising Calf Injury Before Week 8