Pittsburgh Steelers place LB Cole Holcomb on Injured Reserve following knee injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers executed a couple of roster moves on Monday leading into Week 10. First, after Cole Holcomb suffered a devastating knee injury in the Steelers’ win over the Titans, the team has opted to place the linebacker on Injured Reserve.

The linebacker spent the night at a local hospital due to his injury, but was discharged Friday. Now, he’ll spend at least four weeks on IR before he’s eligible to make a return. Holcomb had 54 tackles with six tackles for loss through eight games this season. He also added two forced fumbles

With an active roster spot open, the Steelers elevated running back Anthony McFarland Jr. from IR. McFarland suffered an injury in Week 1, leading to an early IR move.

McFarland eager to get back to work for Steelers

In mid-October, the team designated him for a return to practice, beginning his 21-day practice window. Now, he’s happier than ever to be back with his teammates.

“It was amazing,” McFarland said, via Steelers.com. “Before practice, I just put my helmet on before I walked out there because I haven’t had it on in so long. It’s good to be out there with my teammates.

“Mentally and physically, I feel good, ready to go. It felt good. I am just glad to be back out with my teammates. It was good to get back.

“I am just excited to be back out there with the team. It’s different to be on the side. To come back out and have a helmet on, interacting and being with the team. That is the most exciting thing to me right now.”

The running back could make his turn to the field in the Steelers’ Week 10 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. In his last outing in 2022, McFarland posted six carries for 30 yards against the Colts. In Week 1 against the 49ers, he had no carries but did snag two catches prior to injury.

“I am very anxious,” McFarland said. “I haven’t played since Week 1. I feel fresh. Ready to be out there with the team.”

When the Steelers began McFarland’s 21-day practice window, they also started the clock on wide receiver Diontae Johnson. However, he remains on IR. Johnson suffered a hamstring injury in Pittsburgh’s season-opener against San Francisco. He had three catches for 48 yards prior to his departure in the third quarter.

Green Bay travels to face the Steelers in Pittsburgh on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.