Steelers Fans Get Extremely Worrisome Update Regarding Cole Holcomb's Health

The Pittsburgh Steelers had an extremely unfortunate year in 2023 when it came to injuries. Several key players went down throughout the season and some were even season-ending. The positional group that got hit with the injury bug the most was the inside linebackers. Both Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander were done for the year after brutal injuries. Holcomb suffered an ACL tear while Alexander tore his Achilles. More of the concern from fans came in regards to Holcomb, as he is under contract through the 2025 campaign. The gruesome knee injury is something he is still recovering from.

The room has been revamped and while Elandon Roberts is healthy and still around, Patrick Queen and rookie Payton Wilson are making headlines at training camp. Given the financial piece of Holcomb's contract, it's very possible that the organization decides to release him sooner rather than later if he is unable to play football in 2024.

Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette hosted a fan chat before practice on Wednesday and was asked about Mark Robinson and his chances of making the team given several recent additions. It's safe to say that fans expecting Holcomb to be on the field soon will be disappointed. Dulac make that point very clear.

"He's not anywhere near being able to play," Dulac wrote referring to Holcomb.

That wasn't the only thing Dulac touch on when discussing Holcomb. A fan asked what the plans could be for him if he isn't able to play once the regular season rolls around. 

"They might place him on IR or waive him injured."

Holcomb was playing very well until his knee injury. It added insult to injury once Alexander went down, too, but Holcomb was the glue that held the defense together since training camp in 2023. It wouldn't have been on anyone's bingo card to predict that he could be a free agent prior to the 2024 campaign being over. It's absolutely possible, though.

The linebacker was a hot topic in the chat as someone else chimed in about his status for 2024. Dulac is under the impression that the decision-makers throughout the organization aren't expecting him back on the field anytime soon.

"I don't think anyone is holding their breath. That's why they signed Queen and drafted Wilson."

The good news for the Steelers is that it seems like there is a solid trio emerging with Queen, Roberts and Wilson. The rookie will have to adjust to the professional level, but has all of the tools to be a star next to Queen. Robinson also has experience and if the decision is made to move on from Holcomb, Pittsburgh will still have four legitimate options, along with Tyler Matakevich, who was recently signed.

The Steelers will go as far as the defense takes them in 2024. The offense seems to be rejuvenated and has a chance to put up some points, but the star power that Pittsburgh has on the defensive side of things could make all of the difference. The inside linebackers seem to be developing into one of the more reliable groups, but the absence of Holcomb would certainly be chalked up as a loss.

Steelers' 2024 Offseason Aggression Hinted At Uncertainty Regarding Holcomb

The selection of Wilson in the draft and addition of Queen via free agency should have told fans all they needed to know about Holcomb. His knee injury wasn't just gruesome, but it came later in the 2023 season. Depending on the player and position, it takes some individuals over a year to get back to their true self. This is why fans may have unfortunately seen the last of Holcomb in the black and gold.

Are you concerned with Dulac's updates about Holcomb? Let us know in the comments below!

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