Roosevelt

Nix

Nix has played in 60 career games over the last five years, and signed a one-year contract with the Colts back in April. The team no longer employs a true fullback and used a two-back formation on just 35 plays last season.

Nix spent much of last season on IR after appearing in just three games. He was released last month. Nix was a Pro Bowler in 2017 but has appeared in just 19 games since. The Colts have never carried a fullback under Frank Reich. 28-year-old Nix is a roster longshot.

The move clears $1.012 million in cap space. It was inevitable after the Steelers added Derek Watt in free agency. Limited by injury last season, Nix ended up playing just 34 snaps. The lead blocker turns 28 later this month.

It’s surprising news as all of James Conner, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Vance McDonald will all suit up following Friday injury designations. With the Steelers suddenly hitting on all cylinders, we should expect both offenses to have success in this ever-so-important divisional tilt. Conner should be viewed as a Top 15 RB, with JuJu sprinkling in as a Top 20 wideout.

FB Roosevelt Nix (knee) is also headed to I.R. while LB Jayrone Elliott and practice-squad WR Tevin Jones were activated in the corresponding roster moves. Switzer played sparingly this year, providing 48 yards from scrimmage on 14 combined touches over 81 offensive snaps. He was also active on special teams, returning eight punts for 29 yards and nine kickoffs for 166 yards.

Primary a special-teamer for the Steelers, Nix’s in-game injury will likely sideline him for the next month. The Steelers are still expected to get Maurkice Pouncey (ankle) and JuJu Smith-Schuster (toe) back for their Week 2 matchup against Seattle.

Nix drew three starts at fullback this year while earning a positive grade in blocking from Pro Football Focus. He was also a key player on special teams with nine tackles and two forced fumbles. Nix was placed on season-ending injured reserve after suffering a right foot injury in Week 16.

Undrafted in 2014, Nix turned in two good seasons to start his career and made the Pro Bowl in 2017. Nix graded out as the second worst fullback among those with 100 or more snaps according to Pro Football Focus in 2017, however. Nix does add value with his work on special teams.