Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Oct. 16, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Cole Holcomb was fined $11,041 for a blindside block against the Cincinnati Bengals last Sunday. The costly play occurred on the opening kickoff of the game.
Holcomb, who has six combined tackles this season, has played only 12 defensive snaps for the Steelers through four games this season, slotting in behind Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson. Holcomb served as one of Pittsburgh’s three weekly captains during Thursday night’s loss to the Cleveland Browns, alongside safety Jaquan Brisker and running back Jaylen Warren.
Holcomb is the second Steelers player to be fined this season. Linebacker Payton Wilson was fined for a fourth-quarter facemask penalty in Week 2’s 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots.
The Steelers have been one of the most-fined teams in the league in each of the last three seasons.
The Steelers were the second-most fined NFL team in 2025, racking up $749,747 in fines, over 18 total infractions according to date from The Action Network. Only the Washington Commanders were fined more.
They were the third-most fined team in the NFL during the 2024 season, and were the most-fined team in the NFL in 2023, with fines totaling $478,091.
#Steelers ILB Cole Holcomb was fined $11,041 for a blindside block against the Cincinnati #Bengals in Week 3.
The foul occurred on the opening kickoff.
— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) October 3, 2026
Holcomb has had quite the NFL journey, which has been plagued with a multitude of injuries. However, he has been resilient and found a way to return to the football field every time.
Last season was no different. After suffering a significant knee injury midway through the 2023 season. He missed the entire 2024 season. Holcomb battled his way back and even found a way to make a significant impact.
During the Steelers’ 21-14 win over the New England Patriots in Week 3, Holcomb stripped running back Rhamondre Stevenson on the opening drive.
“Just came in and took a shot on the ball,” Holcomb said on his forced fumble. “It’s always to get those early. Like Mike Tomlin always says, they come in bunches.”
Holcomb’s forced fumble meant more than just living up to the Steelers’ takeaway culture, though. It proved he could still make a significant impact even after yet another devastating injury.
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