The Ravens activated safety Matt Elam to the 53-man roster Saturday afternoon on the eve of their Week 9 matchup with the rival Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium.
Baltimore released defensive back Robertson Daniel to make room for Elam.
Elam hasn't played a regular-season or postseason game since Jan. 10, 2015 in the 2014 divisional round versus the New England Patriots.
"The way I prepare myself, it won't take long [to get back on track]," Elam said. "I'll go out there Sunday just like I haven't missed [any time]. I'm very excited, and I've been preparing myself well."
A torn biceps ended his 2015 season and a preseason knee injury this year sent him to injured reserve (IR) for the Ravens' first eight weeks of the season.
The 2013 first-round pick has had a tough start to his young career. He was disappointed with the way he played in his first two years, and injuries have plagued him since.
The Ravens used their one allowance to bring a player back from IR on Elam, showing their excitement about what he can immediately offer. Elam will play in the first game he was eligible to return to.
"I'm going to be emotional anyway because it's the Steelers game and it's football, period, and I'm always emotional because I love this game so much. I'm going to be very emotional, very excited. It's a blessing."
Elam has been practicing with the Ravens for two weeks, so he has a good amount of work and said he has worked out his nerves in returning. He said he's been primarily focusing on special teams with Eric Weddle and Lardarius Webb as the starting safety.
The 5-foot-10, 208-pound Florida product is fast and knows the Ravens' special teams schemes, so he should help improve that unit while providing improved depth at safety alongside Marqueston Huff.
"I'm going to have the freshest legs, and it's definitely going to show."
