PITTSBURG – Pittsburgh Steelers rookie starting center Zach Frazier revealed after Wednesday’s practice that he plans to play Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Frazier, who missed the last two games with a left ankle injury, was expected to return after the bye week.

“Some people rushed me just to feel it,” Frazier said. “It felt good, so I’m good. But I think that’s kind of it… you just want to feel it once, just to feel it and make sure it’s right. It’s just kind of getting back into shape, just extra conditioning to try to catch up. And then I trust (the ankle) again.

Frazier returned to practice Monday for the first time while recovering from an ankle injury. Frazier was back in his usual spot at starting center for the Steelers, alongside left guard Isaac Seumalo at practice Monday.

The Steelers’ second-round rookie started the first six games of the season, but injured his ankle against the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 13 and missed the team’s final two weeks. Ryan McCollum started at center in his place.

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

“Going into the 2024 draft, it was clear the Steelers had a huge need at center after releasing Mason Cole in January,” Reid wrote in the poll.

“Pittsburgh found that immediate answer in the second round, as Frazier was arguably the best rookie offensive lineman in this class. In five starts, Frazier has the 20th best PBWR (pass block win rate). The instincts, strength and toughness he displayed at West Virginia all carried over into his early professional career.

Frazier was also named to Dane Brugler of The Athletic’s Mid-season All-Rookie team. Frazier is eager to get back on the field and continue his impressive rookie campaign.

“It wasn’t much fun,” Frazier said of the missed time, “but I got through it.”

Alan Saunders reported from Pittsburgh.