Steelers could start 2024 season with two rookies along offensive line

A big focus for the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason was the continued process of revamping their offensive line, a unit that’s been falling apart for years.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, nor will the Steelers’ offensive line. Following the failed Kendrick Green experiment of 2021, Pittsburgh took a more serious approach to fortifying the trenches with Broderick Jones in 2022 and this year with Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier.

Green was part of the last time the Steelers were forced to start a pair of rookies along the offensive line, with Dan Moore Jr. at tackle.

Moore will likely get the start at left tackle tonight, with Jones shifting back to the right in place of Fautanu, who injured his knee in the preseason opener. Once Fautanu is healthy, it’s expected that Moore will be relegated to reserves for the first time since joining the Steelers via the 2021 NFL draft.

Should Fautanu heal up by the season opener in Atlanta, it’ll be two rookies and one second-year lineman holding up the fort for quarterback Russell Wilson.

It appeared Frazier would be a backup to start the regular season, with veteran offensive lineman Nate Herbig getting first-team snaps throughout training camp. But Herbig suffered a shoulder injury in practice on Sunday and could be lost for the season.