The Dallas Cowboys have activated Edgar Jones following an eight-week absence with a groin and abdominal strain.
The defensive end, who joined the Cowboys in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs just before the start of the season, was placed on injured reserve designated to return at the end of September, having sustained the injury during a loss to the San Diego Chargers.
The 29-year-old told reporters: "With the rules, I feel like I could have come back earlier than the rules were set for. I kind of felt like, around week six, I was feeling back to myself.
"The good thing about that rule, though, there wasn't any rush on it. That was the thing I had to be careful about, not trying to rush it and getting hurt."
The designated to return tag prevents players from practising for six weeks while recovering from an injury.
