Football in shorts is here with OTAs underway. Though we still have to wait until late July for the pads to come on, we are already getting a look at some of the new players on the roster. Likewise, we get a glimpse of what the veterans are doing. The latest photo of Cole Holcomb at Pittsburgh Steelers OTAs reveals a shocking body transformation.
Holcomb originally signed a three-year contract with the Steelers in 2023, but is playing on an adjusted one-year contract after [suffering a gruesome knee injury](https://stillcurtain.com/posts/gruesome-knee-injury-will-knock-steelers-lb-cole-holcomb-out-for-season-01he9e9hbej9) halfway through the 2023 season. The veteran has been rehabbing ever since, as he didn't see the field for the entire 2024 season.
If you've wondered what he's been doing in his free time as he works his way back to the field, it looks like he's been lifting; _lots_ of lifting.
The [photo in the post](https://x.com/Steelersdepot/status/1927463972967510296) shows an absurdly jacked Cole Holcomb going through linebacker drills. This difference in his physique was noticeable instantly. Holcomb clearly looks like he added muscle mass to his frame as he preps for his NFL comeback.
Entering the NFL as a fifth-round pick by the Washington in 2019, Holcomb measured in at 6'1 1/8'' and 231 pounds. Six years later, it looks like Holcomb is ready to get his body in the mix more than ever.
Cole Holcomb looks prepped for a comeback season with the Pittsburgh Steelers (if he can stay healthy)
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Last year at this time, we didn't know when or if Cole Holcomb would be able to return to the field. During a long recovery process, there were talks of retirement (and we still don't know the full details about his injury). The good news is that Holcomb appears to be on track for his NFL comeback with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Unfortunately, Holcomb has been the victim of multiple significant injuries in his NFL career. In 2020, the talented linebacker missed four games with a patella sprain in his knee.
Then, in 2022 with the Commanders, Holcomb played just seven games before suffering a season-ending injury. He signed with the Steelers the following offseason, where his string of bad luck continued.
It's been roughly 17 months since Holcomb played his last NFL game, and he's been kicking his butt trying to get back on the field. Holcomb is certainly making an entrance with his new chisled physique. Here's to hoping for a comeback season.
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