The Steelers might not make it to the postseason. But if they do, they could see their roster bolstered by the return of both fullback Roosevelt Nix and wide receiver Ryan Switzer.
Both players were moved to the Reserve/Injured Designated to Return List by the team on Thursday.
That means both players are eligible to resume practicing with the Steelers (8-7) as they prepare for their regular season finale Sunday against the Ravens (13-2) in Baltimore. But neither player is eligible to play against the Ravens.
In fact, neither would be eligible to play in the first round of the AFC playoffs if the Steelers should happen to make it. They could, however, play in the Divisional Round of the postseason if the Steelers happen to make it that far.
The Steelers are one of three teams remaining alive for the sixth, and final, playoff spot in the AFC. They would need a win or tie against the Ravens on Sunday coupled with a loss by the Titans, or a loss and losses by the Titans and Raiders coupled with a win by the Colts to make it to the postseason.
Nix injured his knee in the season opener against the Patriots, missing the next five games. He played against the Dolphins and Colts, but was injured again and missed the Rams game and placed on injured reserve that following week.
Switzer suffered a back injury against the Rams, leaving the game early and was placed on injured reserve at the same time as Nix.
LOLLEY'S VIEW
This is one of those housekeeping moves that will get everyone excited, but really means little. This was the earliest either player could be activated from IR. Given that they can't return until the second round of the playoffs, it's unlikely that either plays again this season.
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