The Pittsburgh Steelers have designated wide receiver Ryan Switzer and fullback Roosevelt Nix to return of the injured reserve (IR) list.

Both players are now eligible to practice which both are expected to do on Thursday as the team prepares for their crucial matchup on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens.

Switzer suffered a back injury against the Los Angeles Rams that landed him on the IR. Nix was injured during the team's season opener against the New England Patriots. He played two more games but was hurt again and was placed on the IR the same time as Switzer.

Switzer didn't have a big impact on the team this season before going down with an injury, but Nix could be a big asset to the team. The Steelers have had very little success running the ball this season and having Nix leading the way could be a big boost to the Steelers offense.

The Steelers running back could be shorthanded also on Sunday with James Conner's health in question. Conner is dealing with a thigh injury, and Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday his status is very up in the air for Sunday's game. If Conner can't go, it will be Benny Snell, Kerrith Whyte, and Jaylen Samuels who will be filling in.

For the Steelers to make the playoffs, they need to win on Sunday over the Ravens and also have the Tennessee Titans lose to the Houston Texans. If both those things happen the Steelers will lock up the sixth seed in the AFC.