Steelers' Cole Holcomb Sends Calm Message About Knee Injury: 'Not At All Worried'

The Pittsburgh Steelers are back in business this week, with Organized Team Activities (OTAs) just getting started. A big name on the defense that is recovering from a season ending knee injury is Cole Holcomb. Holcomb signed with the Steelers ahead of the 2023 campaign on a three-year deal worth about $18 million, and earned himself the top spot on the depth chart. Holcomb went down with a brutal ACL injury in Week 9, which crushed the spirits of many Steelers fans. 

As Holcomb is still working back with recovery, he looks to have the same impact on the field as he did last year once he returns. The linebacker is as tough as they come, and he claims he is "not worried at all" about his injury.

Holcomb, 27, spent his first four years on his rookie contract with the Washington Commanders before picking up a new deal in Pittsburgh. In two of those four seasons, Holcomb collected over 100 total tackles. In his eight games with the black and gold in 2023, Holcomb accounted for 54 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. 

After spending a year with the Steelers, Holcomb has always been noticed for his hard work and his passion for football. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin has acknowledged his efforts countless times.

Holcomb was a part of a three-way committee at middle linebacker in 2023, including he, Elandon Roberts, and Kwon Alexander. Holcomb led the way for the trio until he went down, then Roberts took over as the full time starter once Alexander also went down with a season-ending injury. Alexander wasn't re-signed by Pittsburgh, leaving Holcomb and Roberts and now new addition Patrick Queen along with draft pick Payton Wilson.

In a recent article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette by Brian Batko, Holcomb spoke about his recent knee injury and how, or if, it has effected him. 

"I've dealt with injuries before. I'm not at all worried or anything like that. I know I'll come back and I'll play football."

As we all know, Holcomb's toughness resembles his statement. Holcomb sounds like he will be able to play at the same level as he has in the past, which was a welcomed sight at the linebacker spot that Pittsburgh has not had in years. Holcomb is still not cleared yet and has not stepped back onto the field, but his presence will be felt the moment he does. 

According to Holcomb, he is unavailable to give a date for when he will be cleared. In the meantime, the Steelers and the defense will have to continue to learn and connect without Holcomb on the field.

Steelers Bring In Competition For Holcomb

With the addition of Queen to the middle linebacker group, the Steelers now have a new number one that will likely be ahead of Holcomb. Whether Queen is the one and Holcomb is the two, it's fair to say they will probably run it back with their approach from last season where it is a committee effort. Queen, Holcomb, and Roberts are all qualified and excellent linebackers that could all be starters, which makes it safe to say they will all be on the field. 

Through four years, Queen has tallied over 450 total tackles and hasn't missed a game. The Steelers have lacked both talent and availability over the years at middle linebacker, but Queen should be able to provide both of those. The Steelers' defense has the talent and coaching staff to become the best in all of football.