The Pittsburgh Steelers have had three rookies play meaningful snaps on the offensive line this season. First-round pick Troy Fautanu was expected to be a starter throughout this season before suffering a knee injury early in the campaign. That said, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick have been terrific up front. Frazier has been a godsend at center, especially compared to what Mason Cole gave them over the last two seasons, and McCormick has done a great job of replacing the injured James Daniels. While speaking to the media, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith was asked about the growth of the young unit, and how it has helped their offense expand.

“I think the experience helps,” Smith said. “There’s some things early in the year… especially young linemen, some guys just get thrown out there and that can certainly hurt their long-term growth. You want to protect them [but] you have to do what you need to do to win the game… those guys have consistency for a few weeks now as they improve together. There’s a familiarity… it’s been exciting to watch those guys grow together.”

Knowing the Steelers won’t have to worry about their offensive line every week, as well as knowing it won’t be a need this coming offseason, has to be a big weight off the shoulders of Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan, as well as the rest of the offense who knows their unit will be able open up run lanes and keep the quarterback upright.