The Ravens have activated standout defensive lineman Haloti Ngata from the reserve/suspended list in preparation for tomorrow night’s game against the Steelers, per Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Wilson adds that linebacker Arthur Brown has been placed on the injured reserve list to accommodate the move.
Ngata, who had been named to five consecutive Pro Bowls coming into this season, was his usual effective self on defense in his first 12 games, playing well against both the run and the pass. The longtime Raven has even grabbed a couple interceptions this season, as well as defending a career-high seven passes. However, he missed the club’s last four games after being suspended for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. According to Ngata, his failed test came as a result of taking Adderall.
The Ravens had a roster exemption for Ngata that lasted until Monday, but in order for him to play in Pittsburgh on Saturday, a player needed to be removed from the 53-man unit. That player is Brown, who had a disappointing sophomore season in which he failed to play a defensive snap all year. A second-round pick in 2013, Brown doesn’t seem to be in Baltimore’s plans following C.J. Mosley‘s breakout rookie campaign, and figures to be a trade candidate this offseason.