Nov 12, 2016 2 min read

PITTSBURGH – The Steelers are finally taking the Ferrari out of the garage.

That’s what quarterback Ben Roethlisberger called tight end Ladarius Green in the offseason when he said, “I joke with him ‘You’re like a brand-new Ferrari in the impound lot that I’m just looking through the fence at.'”

That was because Green, whom the Steelers signed to a 4-year, $20-million free agent deal in the offseason, had been unable to practice with his new team because of an offseason ankle surgery.

That ankle issue lingered into the start of the season, forcing the Steelers to place him on the Physically Unable to Perform List. Saturday, the team activated the 6-6, 240-pound tight end, releasing linebacker L.J. Fort to make room for him on the 53-man roster.

Green, who averaged 14.1 yards per catch in four seasons with San Diego, will see his first action with the Steelers (4-4) when they host Dallas (7-1) today.

Green has been practicing with the Steelers since Oct. 25, and the team had 21 days to decide whether to activate him or place him on season-ending injured reserve.

Green felt he was ready.

“If (head coach Mike Tomlin) calls my name, I will be as prepared as I can,” said Green. “I have been getting the same amount of reps (in practice). We always rotate it.

“I study the playbook. I treat it as if I am playing whether I am or not.”

Roethlisberger is excited about the chance to test out his new toy.

“He is a guy who can stretch the field, who’s played the game of football before, who shows some speed, a big body,” said Roethlisberger.

“One of those guys we just talked about who can help in the middle of the field, so, excited for the opportunity to work more with him and to see what he can bring to this offense.”