Steelers Let Zach Frazier Spike Ball to Celebrate TD During Return

In his return after missing time with an injury, Zach Frazier enjoyed being part of the Steelers’ 28-27 win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday.

And since a center is often an unsung position, running back Najee Harris made sure Frazier knew how much his team was happy to have back on the field.

After punching in a touchdown in the third quarter, Harris immediately handed the ball to Frazier. So instead of celebrating himself, Harris allowed the rookie center to spike the ball and enjoy the moment himself.

BIG MAN SPIKE 🙌 @zfrazier54

📸 @steelers pic.twitter.com/3Wi17wWO0G

— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) November 11, 2024

Frazier played after being a full participant at practice all week. On Wednesday, Frazier told the media that he will be ready for Sunday and expected to play against the Commanders.

Frazier has been out and listed as week-to-week since suffering an injury in a game in Las Vegas against the Raiders on Oct. 13. He has since missed two games and will now be returning following Pittsburgh’s bye week.

Frazier was blocking and got rolled up on. He was helped to his feet and walked off with some assistance. Evan Washburn said on the CBS broadcast that Frazier took some snaps with Russell Wilson on the sideline and wanted to go back in, but the medical staff wanted to get a further evaluation in the locker room. Ryan McCollum replaced Frazier at center. 

Prior to the injury, Frazier had been performing admirably, often ranked among the top performing centers each week by PFF.

In a recent ESPN poll, Frazier ranked sixth among all NFL rookies. The poll took the opinion of five NFL analysts, including ESPN NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid.

While Frazier is still very early in his NFL career, one Steelers legend is already sold on the rookie as the next great Pittsburgh center. Maurkice Pouncey, a man who knows what it’s like to have success as a center for Pittsburgh, praised Frazier recently.

During an appearance on Ben Roethlisberger’s podcast “Footbahlin,” Pouncey was asked what he thinks of Frazier so far.

“I met this kid, and I’ve been watching him play football in West Virginia. I think he’s going to be a solid kid. Man, he’s going to be great. I’ve seen a couple of pancakes,” responded the nine-time Pro Bowler.

Pouncey then added even more and gave his official stamp of approval.

“The game will slow down for him as he grows, but he has all the physical and mental abilities to be a great football player. Omar [Khan] came and had me personally go talk to him, so obviously, the Steelers think highly of him. I’m on board with him, 100%.”

After being drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Frazier moved into the starting role due to an injury to incumbent Nate Herbig.