The Pittsburgh Steelers are back in action for the second week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs). For many players, this opportunity gives them the ability to prove themselves for the 2025 campaign. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and there are quite a few players who are looking to prove that statement to be a fact. Pittsburgh had a long list of season-ending injuries in 2024, and the hope is that that doesn't happen again. Some players who were previously injured will now have a chance to shine this week.
Steelers.com
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu, guard Nate Herbig, and lineman Spencer Anderson participating in a drill during OTAs.
While speaking with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Minkah Fitzpatrick spoke about what he has seen from linebacker Cole Holcomb during OTAs, and he had nothing but praise for his teammate.
“He’s been here every day working since he’s been injured,” Fitzpatrick said. “Honestly, he looks more chiseled and swole than he did before he got hurt. That’s a testament to the type of dude he is. It’s impressive. He’s a guy that’s had his tenure in the league so far, and he’s still trying to fight and come back and play at a high level. I have much respect for him. It’s an honor working with somebody that has fought so hard to get back.”
In November of 2023, Holcomb suffered a gruesome knee injury that landed him in the hospital. He missed the rest of that season, as well as the entire 2024 season. He did begin practicing before Week 18, but he was never able to make it into a game. Now, he is back and ready to prove that he is still the same tackle machine he was before he got injured -- or maybe even better.
Mark Alberti / Icon Sportswire / Getty Images
Steelers linebackers Cole Holcomb (#55) and Kwon Alexander ($54) celebrate after a big play during a 2023 home game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Not only is Holcomb back, but according to Fitzpatrick, he is in much better shape than the last time he put on a gameday jersey. He clearly refused to succumb to the injury and only used that as motivation to be a better player. It will be exciting to see exactly what he can do during the 2025 campaign. If he is as healthy and ready to go as he seems to be, the Steelers' linebacker core will be absolutely loaded.
Steelers Will Likely Ease Holcomb Back In
Even though it's likely that Holcomb will be ready to hit opponents with no setbacks in Week 1, the Steelers still want to make sure that he can handle a full workload. He will probably begin the season as a rotational piece, and he will have to earn the ability to get more snaps. Training camp will help, but it's always hard to tell how ready a player truly is until they hit someone in a meaningful game.
There's also a lot of great linebackers that Holcomb will have to compete with. Patrick Queen is wearing the green dot again, so he will play every snap regardless. Payton Wilson looked great in minimal snaps in his rookie year, so he would likely benefit from more playing time too. The Steelers also signed Malik Harrison to be a run-down specialist, so that's who Holcomb would likely end up competing with most for playing time.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson coming up with a huge interception against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11 of 2024.
However, Holcomb is obviously up for the challenge. He tackled rehab with everything he had, so it's safe to say that he is more than willing to prove himself as the season goes on. He could eventually force himself back into the starting lineup if things go well for him. Even if he has to be a backup, it will be very hard for the Steelers to find a better depth player at any position than him.
What do you think about Fitzpatrick's praise of Holcomb? What do you expect from him in 2025? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
#SteelerNation
