Steelers Receive Optimistic Update Regarding Cole Holcomb’s Major Knee Injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers faced a sobering setback during their Week 9 Thursday Night Football matchup against the Tennessee Titans. The unfortunate moment arrived when linebacker Cole Holcomb suffered a debilitating knee injury, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.

For Steelers fans, the quest for updates on Holcomb's condition has been an anxious wait. Prior to his injury, Holcomb had been enjoying a stellar 2023 season, emerging as a linchpin in the Steelers' formidable defense. In just eight games, he amassed an impressive stat line, tallying 54 combined tackles, two forced fumbles, two passes defended, and one fumble recovery.

As the anticipation surrounding the upcoming 2024 draft mounts, Steelers decision-makers Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin convened with the media on Monday morning to address various topics.

Among the inquiries, one pressing question emerged regarding the impact of new star linebacker Patrick Queen's acquisition from the Baltimore Ravens in free agency. Specifically, the reporter sought insight into how Queen's arrival might influence Holcomb's future with the team, particularly in light of his injury. Khan shared his thoughts on Holcomb and his future with the Steelers. 

“I can tell you Cole is working extremely hard to get back. I don’t really have much to add on the timeline. As we discussed, it was a major injury, but he’s working hard. I’m optimistic about all the effort he’s going to put into getting back on the field. In terms of the depth, it’s not different than any of the other ones. I hate to sound repetitive, if there’s an opportunity to add competition and improve a room, we are going to do it.” 

Khan provided insight into Holcomb's injury, acknowledging its severity while emphasizing Holcomb's relentless dedication to rehabilitation. Despite the challenging road to recovery, Khan expressed optimism about Holcomb's eventual return to the field with the Steelers, attributing it to his unwavering commitment.

The Steelers grappled with linebacker setbacks throughout 2023, making the acquisition of Queen a significant boon. Yet, the prospect of Holcomb rejoining the lineup adds another layer of excitement, given his demonstrated productivity prior to his injury.

While Queen's arrival undoubtedly strengthens the Steelers' linebacker corps, Khan emphasized the team's commitment to fostering competition and continuous improvement. Thus, while linebacker may not be the primary focus, Khan hinted at the possibility of further exploration in that area if the opportunity arises and aligns with the team's objectives during the draft. 

Steelers' Major Needs Lie Outside Of Linebacker

The 2024 draft presents the Steelers with a roster in need of strategic reinforcement, with linebacker not ranking among the top priorities. Instead, the focus lies on bolstering the offensive line, particularly at the center position. Beyond this, there's a pressing need for additional wide receiver talent, and fortunately, the draft pool offers numerous promising options.

Cornerback emerges as another critical area of consideration, with speculation swirling about potential moves to strengthen the defensive line. Notably, the Steelers have intensified efforts to fortify both offensive and defensive trenches in recent times.

While the possibility of selecting a linebacker remains open, Khan's stance suggests it's not a primary focus, especially in the early rounds. Instead, the Steelers are poised to address immediate needs while keeping an eye out for opportunities that align with their overall draft strategy.