OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Breshad Perriman was activated off the physically unable to perform list Monday, which means the Baltimore Ravens are getting closer to seeing the speedy wide receiver in a game for the first time since they drafted him in the first round 16 months ago.

While no one can definitively say when Perriman will play, the biggest question is what should the Ravens expect when the No. 26 overall pick from 2015 finally steps on the field.

Will Perriman provide an instant impact like Amari Cooper? Or will he be a work in progress like Nelson Agholor?

Perriman is the Ravens' greatest wild card at a point where many of the team's worries have subsided. Quarterback Joe Flacco has put together one of his best training camps after coming back from season-ending knee surgery, and linebacker Terrell Suggs has provided a jolt of energy as well as an impressive interception since his return from a torn Achilles.

There is more ambiguity surrounding Perriman. He has yet to have one full practice in training camp because he sprained his posterior cruciate ligament on the first day of camp last year and partially tore his anterior cruciate ligament two months ago.

It's uncertain how long it will take for Perriman to get down the route running and his timing with Flacco. The Ravens are also unsure whether he'll be able to hold up physically after his track record so far.

"I'm sure we'll all be holding our breath a little bit," coach John Harbaugh said. "That's just natural."

What the Ravens do know is Perriman brings a skill set unlike any other on the team. Flacco can throw to Steve Smith Sr. and Benjamin Watson on clutch third downs or in the red zone. He can hit Mike Wallace or Chris Moore deep downfield.

Perriman is the only receiver who has the combination of size (6-foot-2, 215 pounds) and scintillating speed (4.2 seconds 40-yard time at his pro day). With all of Perriman's injuries, it's easy to forget the amount of upside he brings. The Ravens had Perriman ranked No. 14 on their draft board, and ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. once said Perriman has the potential to be a Dez Bryant type of a receiver.

The Ravens are in much better shape at receiver than they were a year ago when they were without Perriman. Baltimore's top three receivers are Smith, Wallace and Kamar Aiken. The Ravens have intriguing young talent in Moore, Michael Campanaro and Jeremy Butler.

But Perriman can elevate the passing game if he can come close to living up to pre-injury expectations. In his final college season, Perriman averaged 20.9 yards per catch and 33.1 yards per touchdown. He caught a touchdown in seven straight games.

The wait for Perriman to get on the field is almost over, and the Ravens will finally see what kind of return they will get on their near two-year investment.