Bad news seems to come in waves sometimes. After Roman Wilson suffered an ankle injury during Pittsburgh's first padded practice at Steelers training camp, we received an update on 2023 starting linebacker, Cole Holcomb.
After earning a three-year, $18 million contract with Pittsburgh during the 2023 offseason, Holcomb impressed in the first half of the season last year before suffering a gruesome knee injury, which quickly landed him on IR.
Videos of Holcomb working out in the weight room surfaced during the offseason, and fans were finally optimistic about his return to the field. Unfortunately, we received some discouraging news during the second week of Steelers training camp.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Gerry Dulac, Holcomb may not be around for long. On his chat transcript from July 31, Dulac fielded a question about whether or not Mark Robinson could make the team. He mentioned that Holcomb is still around, but noted 'he's not anywhere near being able to play'.
Dulac was later asked directly about Cole Holcomb, in which the Steelers' insider admitted that the Steelers 'might place him on IR or waive him injured'.
Steelers must prepare for the 2024 season as if Cole Holcomb won't be there
This isn't the news that anyone wanted to hear, though it shouldn't come as a major surprise. When Holcomb's knee buckled in an unnatural way in Week 9 of the 2023 season, many questioned whether or not he sustained nerve damage and doubted that he would ever be able to play football again.
While reports over the summer seemed more encouraging, the latest from Gerry Dulac shows that the Steelers should prepare for the 2024 season as if Holcomb will not be part of the plan.
Pittsburgh's willingness to throw money at Patrick Queen in free agency and spend a third-round pick on Payton Wilson in the 2024 NFL Draft were signs that Holcomb's recovery wasn't where the team needed it to be.
Even without Holcomb available, the Steelers have a quality inside linebacker group on paper with Queen, Wilson, and Elandon Roberts (who is coming off an impressive season). However, Holcomb's presence would have offered added depth, security, and versatility to the position.
There's no guarantee that Cole Holcomb's tenure with the team is coming to an end or that he can't suit up for the Pittsburgh Steelers this year. Unfortunately, the latest report from Dulac is not encouraging, and the team certainly can't count on Holcomb this year.