Cut by the Ravens in July, rookie quarterback Dayne Crist had been waiting for a call ever since.
That call to return for the Ravens' final week of the preseason followed backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor being evaluated for concussion symptoms after being hit hard in the fourth quarter of a 34-27 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night.
Crist is only expected to be on the roster briefly as the Ravens needed reinforcements for the preseason finale against the St. Louis Rams on Thursday night with starter Joe Flacco and Taylor not expected to play and Caleb Hanie the only other quarterback on the roster.
"It's been a crazy few months," Crist said. "I was extremely fortunate to get the call. Tyrod is a great guy. It's tough to see a guy get hurt in a game, but you always have to be ready. I'm just happy to be here and and have an opportunity."
Crist is a 6-foot-4, 239-pound former Kansas quarterback who transferred from Notre Dame. He passed for 3,640 career yards, 20 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.
Last season, Crist passed for 1,313 yards, four touchdowns and nine interceptions. As a sophomore at Notre Dame, the former blue-chip recruit passed for a career-high 2,033 yards, 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Even though this is expected to be a short second stint with the Ravens, Crist appreciates the time.
"I'm looking forward to the rest of this week and Thursday," Crist said. "It's a dream come true, truly. This is what I've awanted to do my entire life. I feel very fortunate and blessed to be in this situation."
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