Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier. Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Another Steelers starter goes down with triceps injury

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI
By Jacob Punturi | Last updated Dec 18, 2025 5:44 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been decimated by injuries this season, and as their final three games approach, the injury bug is still making its way through the locker room.

As the Steelers prepare for their Week 16 matchup against a challenging Detroit Lions team, one of their top offensive linemen missed a day of practice, casting doubt on his status for the upcoming game.

Steelers center Zach Frazier was a notable absence from the team's recent practice session and listed as "did not participate" on the team's latest injury report. The second-year starter suffered a triceps injury that kept him off the field. The team had several other absences during the same session, including T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton.

With Frazier out, backup center Ryan McCollum took the first-team reps.

Center Zach Frazier (triceps) popped up on the injury report. He DNP, along with T.J. Watt (lung),Nick Herbig (hamstring), James Pierre (calf), Jabrill Peppers (illness), Isaac Seumalo (triceps).

Limited: Skowronek (hand/ illness), Kuntz (knee), Peat (concussion), Benton (ankle) pic.twitter.com/QyvhgBrh4Z
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) December 18, 2025

Will Zach Frazier Play?

The question now facing Frazier and the Steelers is will he play? His participation level in their final day of practice will shed light on his playing status for Week 16.

The good news is that Frazier is remaining confident. Nick Farabaugh of PennLive spoke with the second-year center in the locker room, and Frazier said that he believes he could play against the Lions.

Zach Frazier wasn't in uniform today at practice but he told me he does believe that he will play on Sunday against the Lions https://t.co/1rAQE50fTe
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) December 18, 2025

That optimism is great, but that doesn't guarantee he will be in uniform when the two teams square off.

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Impact on the offensive line

Without Frazier, the Steelers could be down three of their starting offensive linemen. Starting left tackle Broderick Jones has been out for several weeks and is not expected back during the regular season. Dylan Cook has temporarily replaced him with great success, but that is a much tougher ask at the other two positions they are hurt at.

At center, Frazier is a top player in the NFL. He's equally as excellent in run and pass blocking, and his ability to call the game and anticipate is at an elite level. The team loves their backup depth in McCollum, but the drop-off between him and Frazier is steep.

Not only that, but the Steelers could also be without their starting left guard, veteran Isaac Seumalo, who has battled injuries all season long. Spencer Anderson will likely take his place, but that severely hampers the team's ability to use their heavier personnel sets.

This article first appeared on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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