The Pittsburgh Steelers could be bolstered by the return of linebacker Cole Holcomb, whose recovery from a serious knee injury has reportedly been progressing well. Holcomb, who was leading the Steelers in tackles before his injury in November 2023, has not played since, but the latest updates suggest he could soon rejoin the active roster.
Holcomb’s Recovery
According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Holcomb’s rehabilitation has been impressive. In his weekly chat, Dulac noted, “His recovery has been outstanding… I wouldn’t be surprised if they add him back to the roster soon.” With the Steelers battling for playoff positioning, Holcomb’s “fresh legs” could provide valuable depth and energy to the linebacker corps.
Steelers’ Adjustments Without Holcomb
In Holcomb’s absence, Pittsburgh revamped their inside linebacker group during the offseason, signing Patrick Queen to a record-setting free-agent deal and drafting Payton Wilson in the third round. Along with Elandon Roberts, these players have formed a solid rotation. The Steelers also retained Holcomb, despite his injury, showcasing confidence in his potential contribution. Releasing him would have saved $4.7 million in cap space, but the team’s patience could pay off as he nears a return.
What Holcomb Brings to the Defense
Holcomb’s 2023 season showcased his skill in run defense and tackling. At the time of his injury, he had 54 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 quarterback hits, 2 pass defenses, and 2 forced fumbles in just eight games. Pro Football Focus (PFF) graded him highly in run defense (72.2) and tackling (79.7), making him a dependable asset in those areas.
If Holcomb returns this season, he could complement the strengths of Roberts and Queen while addressing any gaps in tackling consistency. Furthermore, his career production—including two seasons with over 100 tackles—illustrates his ability to make a significant impact when healthy.
Holcomb’s return could be pivotal not only for the Steelers’ 2024 campaign but also for his future with the team. With a $7.6 million cap hit next season, his performance in the closing games could determine whether Pittsburgh retains him or explores alternatives. For now, the Steelers appear optimistic that Holcomb can provide much-needed depth and versatility at a crucial time.
