The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without center and outside linebacker for their upcoming game against the New York Giants, as reported by sources to PennLive. Frazier suffered an ankle injury during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders, while Herbig is dealing with a hamstring injury sustained against the Dallas Cowboys.
Both players are expected to miss this week’s game but are anticipated to return after the bye week, making them available for the road matchup against the Washington Commanders.
With Frazier sidelined, Ryan McCollum will step in as the starting center. McCollum performed well against the Jets, where he faced Quinnen Williams, but will now need to contend with Giants’ nose tackle Dexter Lawrence, who leads the NFL with nine sacks through seven games.
In Herbig’s absence, the Steelers will rely on Jeremiah Moon and Ade Ogundeji to bolster the pass rush, as Herbig has been a key rotational player in that role.
READ NEXT:
Steelers CB, Former 1st-Round Pick, Breaks Silence Before Team Debut
The Pittsburgh Steelers have run a relatively shallow cornerback rotation this season. In Week 7 against the New York Jets, they had only four active cornerbacks. However, that lineup could expand on October 28 with the addition of C.J. Henderson to the roster. On October 22, the Steelers elevated Henderson from their practice squad to the 53-man roster.
While his exact role for the upcoming game remains uncertain, the 26-year-old cornerback expressed his readiness to take on any assignment from the Steelers’ coaching staff.
“I am looking forward to it,” Henderson told reporters, per The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Chris Adamski. “Whatever they need me to do, I am ready and will give them my best.”
Originally drafted ninth overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2020 NFL Draft, Henderson has appeared in 49 NFL games with both the Jaguars and Carolina Panthers. After spending training camp and the preseason with the Houston Texans in 2024, he joined the Steelers’ practice squad on September 25.
C.J. Henderson Preparing the Same Way Ahead of Steelers Debut
The Jaguars selected Henderson in the top 10 with the intention of having him step in for Jalen Ramsey as an outside cornerback in their defense. However, he struggled to live up to those high expectations.
Henderson played just 10 games with the Jaguars before being traded to the Panthers. In his first four NFL seasons, he started 32 of 49 games, primarily at outside cornerback. Due to not being a consistent starter, he has also gained experience in various other roles, including slot cornerback, safety, and special teams.
The Steelers may utilize Henderson in any of these positions during Week 8 against the New York Giants. Nevertheless, this hasn’t altered Henderson’s approach to practice this week. He has been preparing for a month on the Steelers’ practice squad to be ready to contribute wherever needed.
“I feel pretty much the same,” Henderson stated, according to Adamski. “They were working on getting me involved either way. I’m just excited for the opportunity.”
Steelers CB Depth Heading Into Week 8
Steelers starting cornerback Donte Jackson exited Week 7 with a shoulder injury, leaving Pittsburgh with only three cornerbacks—Joey Porter Jr., Beanie Bishop Jr., and James Pierre—for the remainder of the game.
Given this situation, it makes sense for the Steelers to add another cornerback to their active roster. However, Jackson is expected to return for the game against the Giants. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin referred to Jackson’s shoulder injury as “minor” during his October 22 press conference and anticipates that Jackson will play in Week 8.
This could limit Henderson’s opportunities on defense in his Steelers debut, but his versatility will still be an asset. In his last two seasons with the Panthers, Henderson played over 55 snaps on special teams while also logging more than 400 defensive snaps. In 2021, he contributed 38 special teams snaps over 10 games.
Henderson’s experience could be beneficial for the Steelers in covering punts and kickoffs against the Giants. Over four NFL seasons, he has recorded 172 combined tackles, including six tackles for loss, along with 16 pass defenses and three interceptions in 49 career games.
Leave a Reply