Steelers Have Option to Replace Cole Holcomb

The Pittsburgh Steelers already have their best option for a replacement at inside linebacker.
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PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have an in-house option to replace Cole Holcomb at inside linebacker after placing the veteran on Injured Reserve due to a knee injury.

As they move forward without Holcomb this season, the Steelers will look to add to their inside linebacker room. Currently, it's filled with just three players - Kwon Alexander, Elandon Roberts and Mark Robinson - but the team is likely debating their options to add a fourth for depth and special teams purposes. 

While outside options could be considered, the Steelers' easiest choice is to stay within the roster. Luckily enough, the team signed former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker to their practice squad just last week, and immediately, he's the clear-cut option to be promoted. 

Walker started 12 games for the Falcons last season, recording 107 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, six pass deflections and two interceptions. Since being Atlanta's fourth-round pick in 2020, he's played at least 16 games per season, contributing on defense and special teams. 

When Walker was released, questions immediately rose about why. But quiet frankly, there was little explanation about the decision to move on from the starter before the final year of his rookie contract. 

As a depth piece, Walker provides the experience on special teams that the Steelers will need out of their fourth inside linebacker. He also carries the capabilities to step in on defense and be somewhat of a reliable asset if needed. 

That final spot on the depth chart doesn't need to provide much outside of punt and kick coverage. But the Steelers might actually luck out and be able to find a valuable replacement immediately. 

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Noah Strackbein
NOAH STRACKBEIN

Noah is the Publisher for All Steelers, Inside the Panthers (InsideThePanthers.com) and Inside the Penguins (InsidethePenguins.com), and is the host of All Steelers Talk (YouTube.com/AllSteelersTalk). A Scranton native, Noah made his way to the Pittsburgh sports scene in 2017. Now, he's pretty much full-yinzer.