The Ravens have promoted wide receiver Jeremy Ross from the practice squad to the active roster, giving them a proven special teams returner.
Baltimore waived defensive tackle Christo Bilukidi to make room for Ross on the 53-man squad.
The Ravens needed a returner after kick and punt returner Michael Campanaro suffered a back injury last Thursday in Pittsburgh and was placed on injured reserve. Steve Smith Sr. was the team's other punt returner, but he also has a back injury.
Baltimore had other options on the roster, including newcomer Chris Givens and cornerback Lardarius Webb, but neither were ideal choices. Givens has only returned kickoffs during his NFL career and Webb has only returned two punts since 2012 and hasn't had a kickoff return since 2011.
Plus, both Givens and Webb are key members on offense and defense, respectively. Considering the Ravens' lack of depth, particularly at wide receiver, Ross helps at returner and provides another receiver if needed.
Ross, who was signed to the Ravens' practice squad on Sept. 7, was the Detroit Lions' return man last season. He averaged 25.4 yards on 23 kick returns and 8.9 yards on 32 punt returns. Over his three seasons, Ross has averaged 25.2 yards per kick return and 12.3 yards per punt return.
