Ryan

Switzer

A practice squad player for the past two years, Switzer, a slot receiver and return specialist, retires a few months after trying out for the Panthers. He was a fourth round selection by the Cowboys in the 2017 NFL Draft. Switzer’s career year came in 2018 with the Steelers, when he caught 36 of 44 targets for 254 yards and a touchdown.

Switzer didn’t play an NFL snap in either of the last two seasons, landing on Cleveland’s practice squad after not making the Steelers in 2020 and going on the Browns IR in the 2021 preseason. Carolina’s wideout corps isn’t stacked by any means, but it would be surprising to see Switzer emerge with any real fantasy role in the NFL after two missed seasons. It’s more likely he’d profile as a returner.

FB Roosevelt Nix (knee) was also designated for return. Both players are now eligible to practice with the team on Thursday and the Steelers will have 21 days to decide whether or not to activate either player to the active roster.

It was obvious the Cowboys would part ways with a receiver following their acquisition of Tavon Austin, but it’s surprising Switzer was the one to go. Taken in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Switzer was primarily limited to special teams in Dallas his rookie year. He’ll likely be Oakland’s primary kick and punt returner since the team dealt special teams ace Cordarrelle Patterson to New England in April.

Switzer started the year with the Cowboys before being traded in April, and now he is packing his bags again. Switzer will need to show well on special teams to earn a roster spot.

“Ryan Switzer has really caught my eye,” Gruden said this offseason, apparently unprompted. “Switzer has come in here and not only been a punt returner, kick returner, he’s come in and been a force as a slot receiver. He’s really done well.” Switzer commanded just seven targets for the Cowboys’ undermanned receiver corps a year ago. He will start out on special teams in Oakland before getting a chance to be a “force” in the slot.

Switzer also ran behind Whalen in Oakland’s preseason opener, although Switzer caught a touchdown pass and played well in the game. Switzer and Whalen are competing to upgrade on Seth Roberts, who is on the chopping block and has missed recent time with an undisclosed injury. Oakland’s slot battle is unlikely to produce fantasy value, but that could change if Jordy Nelson goes down.

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.

The Steelers didn’t actually practice Monday, but they’re required to submit an estimated injury report. Switzer’s absence would result in Diontae Johnson likely fielding the majority of the team’s punts for their Thursday night matchup against the Browns.

Switzer is off the fantasy grid as the No. 5 (at best) pass-game option in the Steelers’ run-first offense.