Raiders activate Justin Ellis off injured reserve in time to play Chiefs

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OAKLAND -- Justin Ellis had been practicing well the past few weeks, after the Raiders designated him to return off injured reserve. He was eligible to return for last week’s game in Baltimore, but he wasn’t quite ready for action.

The fifth-year veteran kept practicing strong, but it wasn’t until a Friday afternoon conversation between Ellis, coaches and trainers did the green light get lit.

The Raiders formally added Ellis to the 53-man roster Saturday afternoon, meaning he’ll play for the first time since injuring his foot in the season opener.

Ellis has been missed on the inside, especially against the run. The NFL’s worst run defense will get a boost, and in certain situations play Ellis and fellow gap-plugging defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins together on the inside.

“It changes us,” defensive coordinator Paul Guenther said last week. “You could have two big bodies to stuff up the middle, and they're not just slugs in there. They're athletes, big guys who can move. Having both of those guys available would be a big asset."

That will happen against Kansas City, though it’s uncertain how much Ellis will play in his first game back.

He re-signed with the Raiders this offseason on a three-year, $15 million deal to shore up the inside and allow others to make plays. The team hopes he can do exactly that upon return.

Offensive lineman Denver Kirkland was waived in a corresponding move.

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