Veteran Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly addressed a range of fan questions in his November 25 mailbag, including two about players sidelined by injuries. Unfortunately, his answers didn’t inspire much optimism.
When asked if linebacker Cole Holcomb might return this season, Kaboly’s response was blunt: “I haven’t inquired, but I wouldn’t hold my breath on it.” Similarly, he cast doubt on rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson’s chances of playing again in 2024.
“I find it hard to believe that [Wilson] will play [again this year],” Kaboly said. “I view it as a redshirt year for Wilson. He looks fine working out with other injured players, but you never know. As a rookie, missing so many reps and overcoming two injuries is too much to expect for this year.”
Despite being without Holcomb and Wilson, the Steelers have managed an 8-3 record. Head coach Mike Tomlin has made it clear he prefers not to rush players back after extended absences.
“It is very difficult to get on a moving train,” Tomlin said about Wilson on September 24, following his preseason injury. That perspective likely remains unchanged, especially as the Steelers enter a critical stretch of games.
Holcomb’s Recovery Feels Like ‘Witness Protection’
Holcomb’s recovery from knee surgery has been puzzling. In June, Tomlin stated that the linebacker was “on track” for training camp, but with Thanksgiving approaching, there’s been little progress.
Steelers beat writer Alan Saunders joked on September 22 that Holcomb seemed to be in “witness protection,” sharing a photo of the veteran watching from the sidelines in sunglasses.
A month later, on October 23, Saunders posted another update, showing Holcomb at practice with a knee sleeve and wearing a shirt that read “don’t care work harder.” At the time, Saunders noted Holcomb was among players who might return after the bye week, but no definitive updates have followed.
It’s unclear if Holcomb has experienced setbacks, but the Steelers have solid depth at linebacker, with Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, and rookie Payton Wilson contributing significantly. Even so, fans and analysts continue to hope for Holcomb’s return.
“Seems like every other month optimism turns to pessimism and vice versa in Cole Holcomb’s knee recovery,” Pennsylvania journalist Michael Beck observed on November 8. “Not sure if we will see him back in game action this year, but I really hope to see him play again.”
Wilson’s 2024 Impact Appears Minimal
Rookie receiver Roman Wilson seems unlikely to play a significant role this year, with a potential year-two impact on the horizon.
The Steelers have been cautious with Wilson’s development, and given how slowly recent addition Mike Williams has been integrated, it’s doubtful Wilson will see meaningful snaps in 2024 barring major injuries. Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith have maintained a clear wide receiver hierarchy, led by George Pickens. Behind him, Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III have secured their roles, while Williams, Ben Skowronek, and Scotty Miller bring experience to round out the group. Even practice squad options like Brandon Johnson appear more likely to see action.
Kaboly doesn’t foresee any change in Wilson’s usage this year, and the Steelers have given no indication otherwise.
