OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- The Baltimore Ravens designated safety Matt Elam as their one player to return off injured reserve on Tuesday.
Elam, a 2013 first-round pick, practiced for the first time Tuesday. He is eligible to play in the Nov. 10 game against the Cleveland Browns, which will help Baltimore's depth at safety. Elam underwent arthroscopic surgery for a chip in his knee in late August.
The Ravens selected Elam over other players on IR such as defensive lineman Carl Davis and cornerbacks Sheldon Price and Maurice Canady. All of those players' seasons are now officially over.
Elam, who is making $1.3 million in the final year of his rookie contract, has struggled with inconsistent play and injuries throughout his career in Baltimore. He hasn't played in a game since his dismal performance in the AFC Divisional playoff game at New England in January 2015.
Last year, Elam looked like he was turning the corner before a torn biceps in training camp placed him on IR. The Ravens chose not to use the designated-to-return slot on him last year.
In August, he again was making major strides and was playing his best football in recent memory. But a knee injury landed him on IR for a second straight year.
The return of Elam is a timely one for the Ravens, who need experienced depth at safety. Lardarius Webb is dealing with a hamstring injury, and Kendrick Lewis (thigh) was placed on IR last week.
