The Steelers enter tonight’s game against the New York Giants with three players inactive after missing due to injury, including center Zach Frazier, linebacker Nick Herbig and running back/returner Cordarrelle Patterson.

Quarterback Justin Fields is the third quarterback tonight.

With Frazier sidelined with an ankle injury, it will once again be Ryan McCollum who will start at center for the second straight season.

The line has been the area of ​​the team hit hardest by injuries this season, with five different starting lineup combinations in seven games.

If the next-man-up mentality has been adopted anywhere in the team, then it is at stake.

“It’s crazy when you think about it,” said tackle Dan Moore Jr. “I mean, how many guys we’ve had since camp. It’s really crazy. But it’s even crazier to see young guys like Mason (McCormick) who didn’t necessarily think they were going to get into the starting lineup and they stepped in and did a great job. And I think they’re getting better every week.

“And personally, knowing Ryan and his background, I have high expectations for him. Just the type of demeanor he has, the way he carries himself every day.”

“Ryan is an older guy too. This is his fourth year in the league. I expect him to do it every week because I know he can.”

“We just have to keep building on it. And the leaders, myself and Isaac (Seumalo), just have to continue to instill confidence in him and make sure he has what he needs.”

Seumalo himself missed the first four games of the regular season with a pectoral injury and was extremely proud of the way the linemen have progressed, something he said is ingrained throughout the team.

“It starts with Coach (Mike) Tomlin,” Seumalo said. “He sets the tone for the team and the culture he wants. He keeps repeating the same things because he wants our culture and what he says to have some consistency, and he always says, “Next man up.”

“It’s an opportunity. I think true professionals know that no matter the circumstances or position, I have to be physically and mentally ready every day because my name could be called at any time. I think a lot of these guys embraced it. “I took that to heart and it was cool to see.

The offensive line could have easily collapsed given the numerous injuries, but instead the opposite is true.

“It just shows how deep our entire team is, how good it is and how much of a team we have right now for these guys to be able to step up for the guys that are so hurt,” said running back Najee Harris, who has two straight 100-yard plays behind the line. “Guys come in there and play and these guys never thought they had a chance early on and the tide turns so quickly and they are put in a position where they have to help us win.”

“The last two weeks have shown how good our team is and I think it is a credit to them for the success we are having locally. I always say, I take my hat off to them, Coach Pat (Meyer) and everyone in the room for helping all of us.

“And the standard is still the standard when you go out on the field.”

At the linebacker position, healthy Alex Highsmith is a huge asset to the defense with Herbig still sidelined. Highsmith returned against the Jets after missing three games with a groin injury.

“I definitely feel like I came through well,” Highsmith said of the Jets’ game. “Definitely quite painful because I haven’t played for a few weeks.

“I feel like I’ve achieved almost 100 percent. It feels great to be back out there and with the boys. I look forward to getting better every week. Just keep up the rehab and stay current so nothing else happens.” “

The Steelers also made several roster moves on Monday, including signing running back Jonathan Ward to the active practice squad roster and naming receiver Brandon Johnson from the practice squad to the active/inactive practice squad roster, with receiver Roman Wilson also included was placed on the reserve/injured list.

Ward originally signed with the Steelers after attending rookie minicamp as a tryout and was subsequently signed. Ward was named to the Week 5 game against the Dallas Cowboys, the Week 6 game against the Las Vegas Raiders and the Week 7 game against the New York Jets. In the three games, he had five carries for 22 yards.

In five seasons in the NFL, he has played in 46 games, carrying the ball 22 times for 91 yards, an average of 4.1 yards. He also has six receptions for 52 yards, an 8.7 yard average and one touchdown.

Ward originally signed with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent following the 2020 NFL Draft. He spent more than two seasons with the Cardinals before being traded to the Tennessee Titans in the 2022 season. He also spent the 2023 season with the Titans.

Johnson, who will return to the practice squad after the game, originally signed with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft. He has been on the practice squad and active roster the past two seasons.

Johnson has appeared in 20 games, including three, and has 25 receptions for 326 yards and five touchdowns. He played in 13 games in 2023, recording 19 receptions for 284 yards and four touchdowns. Johnson was also named for the Week 7 game against the New York Jets.

The full list of inactives can be found below.