Steelers Now
One of the Pittsburgh Steelers backup linebackers could soon earn himself a much bigger role on defense.
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense has struggled to start the 2025 season, allowing 100-yard rushers and at least 31 points in each of their first two games. Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin hints that could mean changes are coming to the group.
Pittsburgh’s No. 1 priority is stopping the run,but it hasn’t been able to do that, which is why Austin is open to giving backups like linebacker Cole Holcomb a shot to prove they can right the unit’s wrongs.
“There’s a chance,” Austin said. “I thought Cole went in last week and he did a good job. The big thing is Cole’s been out almost two years. He’s been really working hard. He does; he gives you a different physical presence. I think that I like where he’s going. I think he’s trending in the right direction. Guys that deserve to be out there will be out there. I would expect to see maybe a little bit more of him as we move along in this campaign.”
Holcomb has come a long way since suffering a serious knee injury midway through the 2023 season. He has been sidelined since but impressed during the summer and preseason.
However, Holcomb’s role has taken a step back since the beginning of the regular season behind starters Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson.
The Steelers seem to be serious about getting the changes they desire on defense, though. The team signed run-stuffing linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley to its practice squad on Wednesday.
If Queen and Wilson continue to add to Pittsburgh’s struggles and Bentley doesn’t earn his way onto the field, Holcomb could certainly be given an opportunity to earn the starting role he once had back.
Before Holcomb suffered his injury, he was playing some of the best football of his career, recording 54 tackles, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and two passes defensed in eight games.
It’s unlikely Holcomb will ever be the same player, but he has been defying the odds throughout his recovery and he may just once again.
“To think about the injury he sustained just a year ago, and to watch him battle back and put in the work. Most guys would’ve retired by now, to be honest,” defensive tackle Cameron Heyward said. “To see Cole out there, he looks better than ever. He’s feeling more confident, more comfortable, and he’s done it at a high level before.”
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers DC Expects Backup LB’s Role to Continue Growing
