PITTSBURGH -- Unveiling a new offensive weapon coming out of the bye week would be a savvy move by the Pittsburgh Steelers, who could use tight end Ladarius Green's length and athleticism up the seam against the Baltimore Ravens.

And it would be a welcome move for Green, who hasn't caught one practice pass from a Steelers quarterback since signing a four-year, $20 million contract.

The former San Diego Charger has spent months rehabbing an ankle injury that required offseason surgery, and he said from the locker room this week that he's medically ready to practice. Now he awaits clearance from coach Mike Tomlin. That could happen any day now.

"Everything's progressed pretty well," said Green, who spent the first six weeks of the year on the physically unable to perform list. "Just waiting to get the word. (Tomlin) knows I want to be out there. It's up to him to do what's best for the team."

Expectations for Green should start low because of the ankle. Green has said post-concussion effects from his San Diego days aren't a factor in his recovery -- the NFL Network reported during the preseason Green suffered from recurring headaches -- but until he gets work in live action, that story looms.

Even a minor contribution from Green in his first two weeks back would boost the offense. The tight end trio of Jesse James, Xavier Grimble and David Johnson has held its own, but its combined 16 catches for 117 yards and one touchdown over the last three games won't instill fear in future opponents. Deep threat Sammie Coates still is dealing with a fractured finger that has limited him the last two weeks. Even in small doses, Green should have the chances for a few big plays to complement Antonio Brown.

"I think that would be pretty fun," Green said about starting his Steelers career against the rival Ravens. "It will help out a lot to get me out there with the quarterbacks."

The Steelers would like to get a return on their investment after giving Green a signing bonus of $4.75 million. And Green is eager to oblige. But the challenge has been -- and continues to be -- getting him in a practice. For months, Green has worked with a trainer on an adjacent field while the rest of the Steelers worked out.

In recent pregame warmups, however, Green has turned it loose with his cuts and movements.

Tomlin didn't need to rush Green back for Patriots week. But the bye week is an ideal segue to game action.