What Should Be The Expectations For Cole Holcomb This Season?

At one point, linebacker Cole Holcomb's entire football career was in doubt.

In Week 9 of the 2023 season against the Tennessee Titans, Holcomb sustained a gruesome knee injury during a routine play midway through the game. The injury was so severe that it could not be televised. Holcomb suffered multiple ligament damage and was placed on the team's Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, where he remained for over a year.

The road to recovery for Holcomb was, to say the least, a difficult one. To his credit, he remained consistent with his rehabilitation and eventually worked his way back to being available for practice late in 2024. The mere fact that he was able to return speaks volumes about the type of player the Steelers acquired over two years ago.

As it stands, the Steelers have a promising roster at the inside linebacker position, including Patrick Queen, upcoming prospect Payton Wilson, and the newest acquisition, Malik Harrison. With the departure of veteran Elandon Roberts, Holcomb's availability has the potential to significantly impact the depth of this unit. Last we saw Holcomb on the field, he was an effective and efficient playmaker. In eight games that season with the Steelers, Holcomb registered 54 tackles, including four for a loss, two pass deflections, and two forced fumbles.

Though his role within the unit is unclear, Holcomb's current objective is to stay healthy throughout the off-season, including training camp. As the defense continues to mold itself into a unit that can make an impact this season, Holcomb will certainly play an important role in the equation.