The Pittsburgh Steelers needed some desperate help at inside linebacker this past offseason. The 2022 group didn't produce, which led to the front office completely revamping the room. Mark Robinson, a seventh-rounder in the 2022 NFL Draft, was the only off-ball linebacker to remain on the roster in 2023. That's when the team agreed to a three-year, $18 million deal with Cole Holcomb of the Washington Commanders.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
With Cole Holcomb out for the rest of the 2023 season, Steelers second-year linebacker Mark Robinson should see more snaps moving forward.
Holcomb, led by his beautiful mullet, was the perfect person to bring to the city of Pittsburgh. Right away, Head Coach Mike Tomlin loved Holcomb's presence, as he even told the veteran linebacker that he "better not cut that mullet." Unfortunately, his first season in Pittsburgh came to a screeching halt on Thursday Night Football against the Tennessee Titans. On Friday, Tom Pelissero reported that Holcomb has been discharged from the hospital, as he stayed there overnight for precautionary reasons.
#Steelers LB Cole Holcomb has been discharged after spending the night in the hospital as a precaution because of the serious knee injury he suffered Thursday night.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 3, 2023
Holcomb is out for the season and will need surgery, but is expected to make a full recovery. A significant loss… pic.twitter.com/Kaup7hgTLc
Fellow teammate Keanu Neal accidentally hit Holcomb's leg/knee, which bent backwards an uncomfortable amount. It's an unfortunate end to the season for Holcomb, who became well-worth that $18 million contract that he signed in the offseason. The University of North Carolina product was able to really stabilize the team's linebacker unit this season.
Benjamin B. Braun / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb provided a major impact on the defense in the first two months of the season, so his presence will be missed moving forward.
All three newcomers, Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, and Kwon Alexander, have combined to provide solid play from the middle of the defense. It's still unclear the specifics to the injury, but it's clear that it's serious as he's already been ruled out for the rest of the 2023 season. As Pelissero reported, he's expected to make a full recovery, which means he may be able to return by the beginning of next season.
Should The Steelers Sign Another Linebacker Now?
In the meantime, Roberts and Alexander will have to really step up in his absence. They did just that on Thursday night against the Titans, as Alexander caught the game-sealing interception at the end of the game. Roberts continues to give a big-time impact in the run game, as his physical presence has been crucial there. Unfortunately, the trade deadline just passed, so the Steelers don't have many options when it comes to bringing someone else in.
While they could entertain the free agent market, they may just rely on the in-house guys instead. That begins with Robinson, who has seen just four defensive snaps this season and has been a primary special teamer. Similar to Roberts, he thrives in the run game as a "thumper." Another name to watch is Mykal Walker, whom was signed to the team's practice squad less than a week ago.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers second-year linebacker Mark Robinson has a ton of exciting potential, reminding fans of former Pittsburgh LB Vince Williams.
Walker remains on the practice squad, but he seems likely to earn a promotion to the active roster with the injury to Holcomb. Walker started 12 games for the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, and he was quite productive. On the season, he finished with 107 total tackles, two interceptions, four tackles for loss, and six pass deflections. Between him and Robinson, they will have to step up to help the depth of that linebacker room.
Despite impressive performances from the other two veterans this year, one thing is clear: the team will miss Holcomb. He played 77% of the defensive snaps, a large number to replace. Not only will the Steelers miss Holcomb's on-field presence, but he also became a key communicator in the middle of the defense. Without Minkah Fitzpatrick for the foreseeable future as well as Holcomb now, the team will be without two of its key leaders on defense now.
How big of a loss is Holcomb to this defense? Are you confident that Roberts and Alexander can step up in full-time roles now? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!
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