Steelers veteran unlikely to receive a shot to defend his roster spot in preseason finale

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for their preseason finale against the Detroit Lions on Saturday, hoping to sure up plenty of questions surrounding the offense .

And while that is forefront in the minds of the coaching and personnel staff, a storm is coming in the NFL.

The yearly occurrence that is the roster cutdown can begin for Pittsburgh as soon as Saturday afternoon, on the postgame flight back to Pittsburgh.

And while most of the cuts can be foreshadowed, one name is liable to leave some surprised if he's released.

Cole Holcomb as potential surprise cut candidate

Since sustaining a season-ending injury against the Tennessee Titans during Week 9 of Thursday Night Football, LB Cole Holcomb has yet to practice with the team in any capacity.

Currently still a member of Pittsburgh's PUP list, (physically unable to perform) The Steelers will soon have to decide whether or not to place Holcomb on injured reserve, or waive him outright, the latter of which has real potential according to those close to the organization .

The 28-year-old LB was a force for the Steelers in the first half of the 2023 season, wearing the green dot, (defensive signal caller) leading the team in tackles, and holding up well in coverage.

And while Holcomb still has guarantees in his contract that would cost Pittsburgh nearly $5m against the cap should they release him, their offseason moves suggest it's a very real possibility.

Whether it was signing LB Patrick Queen to the largest free agent deal in franchise history, drafting Payton Wilson, or reuniting with Tyler Matakevich before camp, the team has ensured stability at the inside backer spot.

There is of course the chance that Holcomb is moved to the I.R. on cutdown day, meaning he could return at some point in the season, but Pittsburgh will have to weigh the idea of using an I.R. spot vs releasing Holcomb outright.

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