Steelers news: Cole Holcomb to IR, Anthony McFarland activated, and more

The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for Week 10 of the 2023 season and are coming off a big win over the Titans on Thursday Night Football. Cameron Heyward returned to the field in Week 9 and just when it seemed like this team was about to get back to full strength, they suffered another huge blow to their defense.

With a long week to prepare to host the Packers at home, Pittsburgh has made a pair of notable roster moves. Here's the latest Steelers news as we approach the midway point of the 2023 NFL season.

Steelers news:

We knew right away that the knee injury to linebacker Cole Holcomb was significant. It was only a matter of time before the veteran was placed on injured reserve. That move officially happened early this week, per Teresa Varley of the Pittsburgh Steelers official site.

Holcomb was the three-down linebacker for Pittsburgh this year, and he was on track to be the most stable option at the position since losing Ryan Shazier to a career-ending injury. Fans should expect a heavy dose of Kwon Alexander and Elandon Roberts in Holcomb's absence.

Second-year LB Mark Robinson could get into the mix in the linebacker rotation as well. The Steelers have not sought help in free agency at this time to help fill the void left by Cole Holcomb in the middle of the defense.

More Steelers news:

In a corresponding move to placing Holcomb on the injured reserve list, the Pittsburgh Steelers have officially elevated running back Anthony McFarland Jr. to the roster. McFarland was on IR with a knee injury following the Week 1 loss to the 49ers.

Pittsburgh is coming off their best rushing performance of the season. If McFarland sees the field in his first action back from injury, he could give them a spark thanks to his home run speed. McFarland says that he 'feels good' and he's 'ready to go'. The fourth-year running back has played just 5 snaps so far on the season and will look to carve out a small role in the rotation with Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris in the backfield.

NFL news:

Pete Prisco of CBS Sports recently updated his Week 10 NFL power rankings. Following a significant climb, he has the Pittsburgh Steelers staying neutral this week at the 16th spot on his list -- just above the Texans and one spot below the Chargers. The Jacksonville Jaguars (whom the Steelers lost against in Week 8) are 3rd in Prisco's power rankings, while the AFC North-leading Ravens are 2nd on his list.