Another change on Steelers' offensive line as Ryan McCollum to replace injured Zach Frazier at center

For the first time this season, the Pittsburgh Steelers used the same starting lineup on the offensive line in back-to-back weeks when they faced the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.

The game didn’t end with that unit intact, and the streak won’t get a chance to extend to a third week.

Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that rookie center Zach Frazier will sit out Sunday night’s game against the New York Jets with an ankle injury that he sustained in the second half of a 32-13 victory at Allegiant Stadium.

Ryan McCollum will make his first start with the Steelers and second of his NFL career.

Frazier had started the first six games in the pivot, but Tomlin doesn’t expect the injury to require a trip to injured reserve.

“Week-to-week is a fair assessment of it,” Tomlin said.

The Steelers rushed for a season-high 183 yards against the Raiders. On his first play at center, McCollum threw a block that helped running back Najee Harris break free for a 36-yard touchdown, the second-longest run of his career.

McCollum, 26, spent the past two seasons on the practice squad and made the 53-man roster out of training camp as the backup center following a season-ending injury to Nate Herbig. His previous NFL start was in 2021 when he appeared in 13 games with the Detroit Lions.

“I’ve liked what I’ve seen from him in general,” Tomlin said. “He’s a high intensity guy, a heck of a communicator. He’s mature beyond his years. That’s why we were all comfortable continuing to operate the way we did a week ago, and that’s why I’m excited for the opportunity that is there for him.”

Among other injuries, Tomlin is “really optimistic” that outside linebacker Alex Highsmith can return from a three-game absence because of a groin injury. Nick Herbig, though, will sit out a second consecutive game because of a hamstring injury.

Tomlin said running back Cordarrelle Patterson, tight end MyCole Pruitt and safety Damontae Kazee could return to practice this week after missing the game against the Raiders. Pruitt has missed four games in a row and Patterson two.

New family for Adams

The Steelers will face star wide receiver Davante Adams after all. A day after he sat out his third consecutive game for the Raiders, Adams was traded to the Jets, where he will be reunited with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

“I was getting ready for Davante last week,” Tomlin said. “I’m getting ready for Davante this week.”

The Steelers have been in search of a play-making second receiver since trading Diontae Johnson to Carolina in March. They were unable to acquire Brandon Aiyuk from the San Francisco 49ers in the preseason.

Asked about the Steelers’ interest in acquiring Adams, Tomlin smiled and said, “It doesn’t matter. Experience has taught me to talk about my people and not talk about hypotheticals and potentials because it is a fruitless endeavor.”

Another veteran receiver was removed from the market Tuesday when Buffalo acquired Amari Cooper from Cleveland.

Calvin Austin, Van Jefferson and Scotty Miller have combined for 20 catches for 260 yards and one touchdown.

“At times we’ve gotten open,” Tomlin said. “At times we haven’t. That’s just a function of football.”

Slim Pickens

Much was made about George Pickens’ reduced count against Dallas when he played a career-low 34 snaps and had just three receptions for 26 yards. Pickens was on the field for 45 plays against the Raiders and again was held to three catches for 53 yards. He was targeted eight times.

Pickens’ biggest play was in the fourth quarter when he made a 31-yard catch to the Raiders’ 3 that set up a field goal.

“I thought he did some good things in the game, and I thought we left something out there,” Tomlin said. “But leaving things out there is generally a collective issue and not an individual one. I think that can describe receiver production all the time. That’s why I’m somewhat resistant to detailed discussions regarding George, because a lot of things have to happen for receivers to be impactful.”

Through six weeks, Pickens is tied for No. 24 in the NFL with 26 receptions and No. 19 with 363 yards. He is the only wide receiver with at least 25 receptions who doesn’t have a touchdown catch.