The Rams have activated star defensive end Chris Long from the injured-reserve designated-to-return in time for this Sunday’s matchup with the Raiders, reports Myles Simmons of STLRams.com.
Long has been absent from the team following an ankle injury suffered during the team’s opening game, an injury that required surgery. Long had been at practice for the last three weeks and will see his first game action since Week 1 this Sunday. Long had made four consecutive Pro Bowls coming into the season, and his addition will only strengthen an already strong defense.
The team has waived linebacker Marshall McFadden to make room for Long, reports Nick Wagoner of ESPN (via Twitter).
Long had never missed a game as a professional since being drafted second overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He will rejoin a defensive line that includes fellow first round picks Robert Quinn, Michael Brockers, and Aaron Donald. With Donald still playing limited snaps early in the season, if Long can quickly return to his Pro Bowl form, it will be among the scariest pass rushing defensive lines in the NFL at full strength for the first time.