EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The St. Louis Rams began preparing for the imminent return of wide receiver Stedman Bailey on Monday when they released defensive tackle Matt Conrath to create a roster spot.

On Wednesday morning, the NFL announced the completion of a new policy on steroids and performance-enhancing substances, which made Bailey's return official just halfway through the original four-game punishment.

In the announcement released by NFL communications, Bailey is one of three players named as eligible to return to his team right away.

From the release:

Discipline of players for certain violations in the 2014 league year will be adjusted to reflect the new policy. Wes Welker of the Denver Broncos, Orlando Scandrick of the Dallas Cowboys and Stedman Bailey of the St. Louis Rams will be eligible to return to their teams this week.

Bailey was originally suspended four games on May 13 for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances. He missed the team's first two games against Minnesota and Tampa Bay but wouldn't actually have been scheduled to return until after Week 5 because the team has a Week 4 bye. Now, he'll not only be back before the bye but have the opportunity to play this week against Dallas should the Rams opt to go that way.

We'll find out the extent of Rams coach Jeff Fisher's plans for Bailey for this week after practice later Wednesday, but it stands to reason he could be involved in the game plan given the way the Rams planned ahead for his return and Tavon Austin's sprained knee.