Raiders put linebacker Curry on active roster

He’s expected to play as backup, on special teams

The Raiders activated outside linebacker Aaron Curry to the 53- man roster Tuesday, doing so before the deadline to make a decision on how to proceed.

The options were: activate Curry, waive him or place him on season- ending injured reserve. Curry was at the tail end of a 21- day evaluation period in his return from the physically unable to perform list.

The Raiders waived linebacker Vic So’oto to make room for Curry on the roster. Curry is eligible to play against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

Curry missed some of the off season workouts, all of training camp and the first eight games while recovering from sore knees. At one point, he went to Southern California for treatments from a specialist.

It’s likely the Raiders will use Curry on special teams and as a backup at all three linebacker positions, at least in the short term as he gets back into football shape.

The Raiders will have to make another roster move if they activate cornerback Ron Bartell in time for Sunday.

Bartell is back at practice, but he doesn’t count on the 53- man roster because he is in his reacclimation period after being placed on injured reserve earlier this season. He suffered a shoulder injury in the season opener and missed the past seven games.

Steelers: Coach Mike Tomlin said he doesn’t expect receiver Antonio Brown to be available Monday night when Pittsburgh plays Kansas City. Brown suffered a sprained right ankle Sunday in a 24- 20 victory over the New York Giants.

Bills: Cornerback Terrence McGee ( knee) was placed on season- ending injured reserve, and receiver Marcus Easley was promoted off the practice squad.

The Bills also placed starting right tackle Erik Pears ( hip/ groin) on injured reserve and released rookie kicker John Potter.

Cardinals: Starting outside linebacker O’Brien Schofield is sidelined for the remainder of the season after suffering ligament damage to his left ankle that will require surgery.

Guilty plea: Former NFL wide receiver David Boston could face nearly three years in prison after pleading guilty in West Palm Beach, Fla., to aggravated battery for punching a woman last year.

Boston, 34, went to the Pro Bowl with the Arizona Cardinals in 2001. He also played for San Diego and Miami.

MIKE ROEMER/ AP ARCHIVES Aaron Curry, here tackling the Packers’ Aaron Rodgers during a 2011 game, is back on the Raiders’ active roster. The team had to activate, waive or put him on seasonending injured reserve Tuesday.