Steelers send 2 to Injured/Reserve, sign replacements

Pittsburgh loses their starting fullback and primary kick returner.

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced on Thursday, just hours before they take on the Cleveland Browns that they were sending two players from the 53-man roster to the injured/reserve list. One is starting fullback Roosevelt Nix and the other is reserve wide receiver and kick returner Ryan Switzer.

To replace Nix and Switzer, the Steelers have signed wide receiver Tevin Jones and linebacker Jayrone Elliott to replace them. With Nix on IR the Steelers will no longer utilize a true fullback in the run game. Look for Pittsburgh to motion tight end into the backfield at times to allow for a lead blocker but know it won’t be the same.

With Switzer done for the year, the Steelers will have to find someone else to return punts and kicks. It will most likely be wide receiver Diontae Johnson. Switzer was rarely utilized in the passing game this season.