Steelers' Cole Holcomb's Availability Still Up In The Air As He Recovers From Devastating Injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker room at the start of the 2023 season looked like it could be one of the best units in the league. Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts and Kwon Alexander were all new additions to Pittsburgh, and all had plenty of experience as starters. Things crumbled fast around the mid-point of the season, as Roberts was the only one out of the three linebackers who avoided a season-ending injury, and the Steelers lost Holcomb and Alexander in back-to-back weeks.

Pittsburgh lost Holcomb to a gruesome knee injury in Week 9 during a Thursday night contest against the Tennessee Titans, and in Week 10, they lost Alexander to a ruptured achilles. Both players were quickly ruled out for the season. Alexander's contract with the Steelers expired following the conclusion of the 2023 season, while Holcomb is still fighting to recover from his injury to return to Pittsburgh. Head Coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media Sunday during the NFL's annual meetings, and gave an update on Holcomb's availability going forward which was reported by ESPN's Brooke Pryor.

"He just had a checkup a few weeks back and it was a favorable one, but I don't have any details from a calendar perspective of levels of availability."

Holcomb seems to be on the right track in terms of his recovery, but it is unclear when he will be cleared to return to football activities. His exact injury was never disclosed, but it was considered severe and if his availability is still uncertain for the 2024, it is safe to say it was worse than a typical ACL tear. Thankfully for Pittsburgh and Holcomb, he will not be rushed back since the organization went out and signed Patrick Queen during free agency. 

Holcomb has struggled with injuries before, as he only played in five games with the Washington Commanders during the 2022 season before undergoing season-ending foot surgery. He was on pace to have a great season in Pittsburgh in 2023, as he had recorded 54 total tackles, four tackles for loss, two pass break ups, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery up until his injury occurred. 

Even thought the Steelers went out and signed an All-Pro in Queen, it should not be understated how good of a linebacker Holcomb really is. In seasons where he has played in at least 16 games, he has had over 100 combined tackles. Once he is ready to return from injury he should be able to insert himself into the rotation at linebacker and make an immediate impact for Pittsburgh.

Steelers Once Again Have A Stellar Linebacker Unit Heading Into The 2024 Season

The Steelers are set to start two veterans at linebacker in Queen and Roberts, and once Holcomb is ready he will be a factor as well. Roberts and Queen each had over 100 tackles in 2023, and Holcomb was on pace for that milestone as well before his injury. Roberts is a run-stuffer, while Queen is great at a little bit of everything. In 2023 he recorded three and a half sacks, an interception, and had nine tackles for loss. 

The Steelers are once again entering a season with three starting-caliber linebackers on the roster, after struggling at the position for so long. This unit along with the stars like TJ Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cam Heyward, and Joey Porter Jr. should be able to be one of the NFL's best defenses in 2024.