The Pittsburgh Steelers are starting to build a pretty extensive injury list after seeing multiple players go down during the team's Week 4 loss against the Indianapolis Colts. Both sides of the ball are fairly banged up, with James Daniels now missing the rest of the regular season after suffering a torn Achilles, while Nick Herbig and Keeanu Benton both suffered minor injuries as well. This comes just a week after the Steelers saw Alex Highsmith go down with a groin injury.
Matt Durisko / AP Photo
Linebacker Cole Holcomb after suffering a season-ending injury during the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2023 season.
In addition to new injuries, Pittsburgh has a few guys they are hoping to get back soon. This includes left guard Isaac Seumalo, who might be able to make his season debut in Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys. Another player who some fans may have forgotten about is linebacker Cole Holcomb. Holcomb suffered a devastating injury during the 2023 season, and is still on the Physically Unable To Perform List (PUP).
Holcomb recently became eligible to be removed from the PUP list, and Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about when the linebacker may be removed from the list during his press conference on Tuesday, and his answer was promising.
"I haven't had those meetings yet. But um, probably. There is a level of excitement there, we'll see what their participation looks like and the quality of that participation, and harden that up as we get closer to game time."
Holcomb probably won't take the field in-stadium anytime soon, but him getting back out on the practice field is a good sign. He is one of the more underrated inside linebackers in the league, and when he is healthy, he is extremely effective. That's the issue though, Holcomb has struggled to remain healthy throughout his career, even before arriving in Pittsburgh.
Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb participates in drills at 2023 Organized Team Activities (OTAs) at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA..
Holcomb signed a three-year deal with Pittsburgh ahead of the 2023 season, and early on it looked like the Steelers had themselves a steal. The linebacker was impressive on the field. He was co-leading the team in tackles until his injury, and he also had two forced fumbles on the year. He was injured in Pittsburgh's eighth game of the year against the Tennessee Titans and it was clear he was set to miss significant time.
At a certain point in the summer, it was being reported that Holcomb may not even be able to play during the 2024 season. This was believable due to how serious the injury looked. Some thought Holcomb would end up on season-ending Injured Reserved or be waived, but Pittsburgh has stuck by the linebacker and it looks like he may be able to play at some point during the 2024 season. Once Holcomb officially comes off of the PUP list, he will have 21 days to return to the 53-man roster. This is a good barometer for when he should be able to return to game action.
Steelers Have Multiple Players Eligible To Return From Injured Reserve
When a player gets put on Injured Reserve (IR), it means they are out a minimum of four games. Pittsburgh just finished their fourth game of the season, so the players that were placed on IR before Week 1 and designated to return are now eligible to return to the active roster. These players for the Steelers include Dylan Cook and Jeremiah Moon. If Moon is able to return, he would provide much needed depth at outside linebacker, while Cook would do the same at the tackle spot.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle, Dylan Cook.
Rookie Troy Fautanu is out for the season after suffering a knee injury, and now Cook can be a valuable backup. He is also a good option at swing tackle. Pittsburgh's roster will be getting a significant boost with the potential return of Holcomb, Cook, and Moon.
What do you think of Holcomb potentially returning to the field soon? Let us know in the comments below!
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