The Pittsburgh Steelers are deep in the playoff hunt, and at this point in the season, every game carries serious weight. The AFC North is as tight as ever, with the Ravens right on their heels, and the margin for error is razor-thin. That’s what makes this week’s matchup against the Detroit Lions so crucial - and so dangerous.
Detroit might not be the all-around juggernaut many expected coming into the season, but let’s not kid ourselves: this offense can flat-out score. They’re one of the most explosive units in the league, and when they get rolling, they’re tough to stop. If your defense can’t match their tempo - or if your offense can’t keep pace - it’s going to be a long day.
That’s why the Steelers’ injury situation this week was such a major storyline. Coming into the week, things looked bleak.
T.J. Watt’s lung injury grabbed headlines, but the real gut-punch came when rookie center Zach Frazier showed up on the injury report.
For a team already dealing with a banged-up offensive line, that was the last thing they needed.
Isaac Seumalo is officially out, which is a blow in its own right. He’s been a rock at left guard, and his absence forces the Steelers to shuffle the deck.
Dylan Cook held his own in his first start, but that came with the benefit of playing next to Seumalo and Frazier - two high-level veterans who stabilize the interior. Without that support, things get trickier.
But here’s the good news: Frazier is good to go. And that changes everything.
The rookie center has been one of the quiet success stories of the Steelers’ season. He’s not just holding his own - he’s playing at a near-elite level, anchoring the middle of the line and giving this offense a fighting chance week in and week out. Losing him would’ve left the Steelers with a patchwork interior, and against a Lions front that knows how to bring pressure, that’s a recipe for disaster.
Instead, Pittsburgh dodges a major bullet. Yes, they’re still down a starting guard and relying on some creative personnel solutions - Spencer Anderson is expected to step in at guard, and Andrus Peat could rotate in depending on formations - but with Frazier in the lineup, the Steelers retain their most important piece in the trenches.
Let’s be clear: this offensive line still has to answer some questions, especially on the left side. Detroit will test them early and often.
But with Frazier snapping the ball and making the calls, Pittsburgh avoids a total collapse up front. That gives them a real shot to control the tempo, sustain drives, and - most importantly - keep pace with a Lions offense that can light up the scoreboard.
In a game where every possession matters, having your center - your anchor - is a massive win. The Steelers are still in for a fight, but thanks to some timely good news on the injury front, they’re going into it with a lot more stability than it looked like they might have just a few days ago.