Steelers LB Cole Holcomb confident in health for training camp
When the Pittsburgh Steelers signed linebacker Cole Holcomb in late March, he was a little over four months removed from season-ending foot surgery. The injury occurred all the way back in Week 7 last year, which ended up being the last time Holcomb would suit up for the Washington Commanders after being drafted by the […]
When the Pittsburgh Steelers signed linebacker Cole Holcomb in late March, he was a little over four months removed from season-ending foot surgery.
The injury occurred all the way back in Week 7 last year, which ended up being the last time Holcomb would suit up for the Washington Commanders after being drafted by the franchise in 2019.
A clean bill of health and a new opportunity is in store for the former fifth-round pick, and that beginning will not be delayed when it matters.
Holcomb stated back in March that he would be ready to participate during OTAs, but the fifth-year player has taken precautions this month, awaiting to fully participate in practice until July.
“Don’t worry—I will be ready,” Holcomb told Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review. “I will be ready for camp.”
It befits Pittsburgh to take it slow with their newest linebacker. The Steelers signed Holcomb to a three-year, $18 million deal during the peak of free agency. Getting impactful play out of the 27-year old in 2023 is the plan, but ensuring he'll be healthy enough to fulfill the life of his deal is the ultimate goal.
Holcomb was on pace for his best season in Washington last year. He posted career-highs in Pro Football Focus' defense grade (66.6), and coverage grade (67.0) among other metrics, and recorded 20 defensive stops to just six missed tackles.
That he missed most of the year likely prevented Holcomb from truly elevating himself into the ranks of the top linebackers on the open market. Washington let him test the waters, and Pittsburgh came away with what looks to be a steal on the surface.
None of that matters if Holcomb isn't 100% healthy and ready to build off his 2022 campaign. By the time the pads come on, he'll be ready to assert himself in a defense that needs him.
