One of the Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebackers is continuing to carve out a larger role for himself on defense.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin hinted last week that inside linebacker Cole Holcomb was in line to earn more reps, and that's exactly what happened against the New England Patriots in Week 4. Following a strong performance, it seems Holcomb's role is safe to stay.
Austin praise Holcomb's Week 4 performance, which included forcing Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson to fumble on the opening drive.
"It went good. I think Cole deserved it. He's been working his tail off to get back," Austin said. "He's worked his tail off to get back. He gives a different element. He's a downhill thumper, so it was good. We gave him an opportunity there. We'll see how it goes with each opponent. Each opponent is a little bit different, and I think that will determine his role. I think he's earned a role to try to help us win, and I think he did a good job of that last week."
Holcomb has come a long way since suffering a serious knee injury midway through the 2023 season. He was sidelined for nearly a year and a half but worked his way back and has been impressing all summer.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb is helped into a cart after injuring his left knee in a game against the Tennessee Titans on Nov. 2, 2023. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Part of the reason Holcomb saw an increase in playing time was because of the Steelers struggling run defense through the first two weeks of the season.
In Week 2, the Seattle Seahawks rushed for 117 yards on 29 carries (4.0 average). Kenneth Walker III led the Seahawks with 105 yards rushing on 13 carries for a whopping 8.1 average and a touchdown. In the season opener, the New York Jets racked up 182 yards (4.7 average) on the ground.
Holcomb's presence didn't completely turn around the unit, but he certainly helped create splash plays that it had been missing.
Now it seems he'll get another chance to prove he deserves to be a starter against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4.
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.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Teryl Austin Believes Steelers LB Has Earned Larger Role
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