Cole

Holcomb

After missing all of 2024 due to a devastating knee injury he suffered in 2023, Holcomb returned in 2025 to play in 14 games for the Steelers. The veteran linebacker made three starts over that span and totaled 37 tackles and one forced fumble while playing on 198 defensive snaps. Holcomb also turned into a contributor on special teams last season, playing on the most special teams snaps (161) since his rookie year.

Also ruled out on Pittsburgh’s defense are CB Darius Slay (concussion) and LB Cole Holcomb (illness), Highsmith had said he was optimistic about playing but the Steelers opted to hold their pass rusher out. These rule-outs are good news for Cincinnati’s offense in what projects to be a shootout on Sunday.

According to Pelissero, the move will free up $4 million in cap space for the Steelers. Holcomb suffered a brutal dislocated knee injury in 2023 and did not take a snap last season. The sixth-year linebacker totaled 54 tackles and four TFLs in the eight games he appeared in back in 2023, and is expected to be fully healthy for the start of next season.

Holcomb suffered a devastating knee injury in Week 9 of last season, ending his 2023 campaign. It’s no surprise to see him open camp on the PUP list, given the nature of his injury, but we don’t have a firm timeline on when we can expect him to return. Speaking earlier in the week, head coach Mike Tomlin said he thinks Holcomb will participate in camp sooner than later, leaving the door open for a return in a few weeks. In addition to Holcomb, the Steelers also placed EDGE Dean Lowry, whose 2023 was ended by a pectoral injury.

Holcomb suffered a gruesome knee injury in the Steelers’ Week 9 win over the Steelers after colliding with a teammate in the middle of the field. The veteran linebacker was kept in a hospital over night out of precaution, but has since been discharged. He’ll undergo surgery in the coming days, but his 2023 season is officially over after eight games. A free agent signing by the Steelers earlier this offseason, Holcomb has totaled 54 tackles, four TFLs, and two forced fumbles and will be sorely missed as a leader of the defense.

Holcomb appeared to collide with a teammate while attempted to make a tackle on Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins over the middle of the field. The injury was of the “let’s not show that again” variety, meaning Holcomb is likely looking at an extended absence.

Holcomb, 26, has started 48 games for Washington over the past four seasons. His career year came in 2021, when Holcomb recorded 145 tackles. He has 4.5 sacks in his NFL career and will join a Steelers defensive making free agency moves to improve for 2023 and beyond.

The Commanders come into this game with a relatively healthy roster. Nothing too surprising to see here, as all key fantasy assets appear good to go against the Texans

Holcomb (6’1/234) arrived at UNC as a walk-on and went on to start 34 games, leading the Tar Heels in tackles in each of his final three seasons and graduating with 15.5 career tackles for loss and four forced fumbles. He was a second-team All-ACC pick as a senior. Snubbed for a Combine invite, Holcomb put himself squarely on the NFL’s draft radar with a 4.48 forty and highly explosive 11-foot broad jump at UNC’s Pro Day. Holcomb’s floor is a gung-ho special teamer with a chance to develop into a three-down linebacker based on his instincts, sure tackling, and elite athleticism.

Holcomb (6’1/234) arrived at UNC as a walk-on and went on to start 34 games, leading the Tar Heels in tackles in each of his final three seasons and graduating with 15.5 career tackles for loss and four forced fumbles. He was a second-team All-ACC pick as a senior. Snubbed for a Combine invite, Holcomb put himself squarely on the NFL’s draft radar with a 4.48 forty and highly explosive 11-foot broad jump at UNC’s Pro Day. Holcomb’s floor is a gung-ho special teamer with a chance to develop into a three-down linebacker based on his instincts, sure tackling, and elite athleticism.