Before the news that he was able to return to the St. Louis Rams even became official, wide receiver Stedman Bailey was on an airplane headed for Rams Park.
By the time Bailey's 6:30 a.m. flight landed at Lambert International Airport, the NFL had passed a new policy on performance-enhancing substances, which included a reduction in Bailey's four-game suspension that made him eligible to return immediately.
The Rams released defensive tackle Matt Conrath on Monday to clear a roster spot for Bailey's anticipated return.
Bailey walked through the doors of the team's practice facility at around 11:20 a.m. ET and headed directly for the team's morning walk through and fully participated in Wednesday's practice.
"He came running into the building as fast as he could," Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. "He made it to the walk through, so it's good to have him back."
Bailey was originally suspended on May 13 for violation of the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. He participated in the team's entire offseason program, including training camp and preseason games before his suspension began.
Upon the start of the first regular-season week, Bailey returned to his home in the Miami area, where he worked with personal trainer Davin Bush. Bailey spent the past two weeks working with Bush to replicate workouts he'd have been doing had he been able to practice with the Rams.
"I did a good job of keeping my body in shape, running routes, catching balls, everything I felt the guys were doing here I tried to exercise at home," Bailey said. "Today felt real good out there."
As rumors began swirling of a possible new drug policy that could retroactively nullify at least part of his suspension, Bailey said he did his best to not allow himself to get too excited about a possible return.
Over the weekend, Bailey allowed his hopes to get up in advance of last week's game against Tampa Bay. When that didn't materialize in time, Bailey said he made it a point to let the process play out.
Upon getting the call Tuesday night, Bailey hustled back to St. Louis.
"It feels extremely good to be back here with my teammates," Bailey said. "The whole time that I was off for the first two weeks was a dreadful feeling for me and I'm just happy that it's all over with now."
As for Bailey's role now that he's back, the Rams wasted little time throwing him back in the mix. Fisher said Bailey would immediately plug back into his roles on special teams and said it's "quite possible" Bailey will be involved in the offense this week.