Steelers News: Cole Holcomb, Roman Wilson, Cooper Kupp, and more
By Tommy Jaggi
It's been an eventful week for Pittsburgh Steelers fans. Just days after delivering a beating to the New York Jets in a 37-15 win, trade rumors are swirling as the NFL deadline nears.
Mike Tomlin spoke on injuries early this week as Pittsburgh looks ahead to hosting the New York Giants on Monday Night Football. The latest Steelers news surrounds the potential return of a forgotten gem and trade rumors involving Pittsburgh and a former All-Pro wide receiver.
Cole Holcomb could return to Steelers practice soon
With linebackers Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, and rookie Payton Wilson, you may have forgotten about Cole Holcomb. The Steelers' starting linebacker in 2023 suffered a gruesome knee injury halfway through the season last year and has been on the road to recovery ever since.
Fortunately, it looks like Holcomb may be able to make his return to the field soon. According to Alan Saunders of Steelers Now, Holcomb could return to the field after the bye.
For a team already three deep at the off-ball linebacker position, this would offer tremendous depth and allow everyone to stay fresh at all times. Considering the extent of his knee injury, if Holcomb does return soon, he's likely to be eased back into action.
The hope is that, by the end of the season, Holcomb will be up to speed and ready to contribute. He would join a crowded linebacker room as a do-it-all player capable of playing all three downs, though the Steelers would no doubt deploy a committee at the position.
Steelers insider baffled by Roman Wilson's lack of usage
Steelers Insider and correspondent for the Pat McAfee Show, Mark Kaboly, recently joined 93.7 The Fan to express his confusion over the Roman Wilson situation. Kaboly claims Wilson 'looks fabulous' at practice and that he's playing like a top-three receiver on the team.
Kaboly can't put his thumb on why Wilson isn't earning playing time. The third-round rookie receiver has logged just five snaps on the season and was a healthy scratch by the Steelers in Week 7 against the Jets.
It's reasonable to expect a learning curve for a young receiver who has been dealing with injuries, but with a lackluster group of pass-catching options outside of George Pickens, Wilson needs to see the field sooner rather than later,
Cooper Kupp trade buzz is heating up
Since the report from Dianna Russini that the Rams are 'definitely open' to trading Cooper Kupp, there has been a ton of buzz around the Pittsburgh Steelers. LA could be looking to unload a big contract and an older player for a potential rebuild ahead in exchange for draft capital.
The reports suggest the Rams are looking for a second-round pick in return for Kupp's services, but they may be willing to settle for less. Meanwhile, numerous media and betting outlets project the Steelers to be heavily involved in negotiations for the former All-Pro receiver.
Kupp is 31 years old and has only suited up for two games so far this season. His extensive injury history is a concern, but he may be the last notable name at wide receiver up for grabs before the NFL trade deadline and the Steelers have a major need at the position.
Steelers roster moves ahead of Week 8
In minor news, the Steelers have made a few roster moves ahead of their Week 8 Monday Night Football game against the New York Jets. With injuries at the cornerback position, Pittsburgh has elevated C.J. Henderson to the active roster from the practice squad. They also placed defensive tackle Montravius Adams on the Reserve/Injured list and signed Breiden Fehoko to the practice squad.