AP

The Seahawks activated Jimmy Graham Tuesday, and the three-time Pro Bowl tight end told reporters after practice that he’s “learned patience” while trying to battle back from a torn patellar tendon.

That injury ended Graham’s season last November and forced him to start training camp on the team’s physically unable to perform list. Though Graham is not all the way back to full speed, he said he’s focused on being better than he was in his first season with the Seahawks and developing chemistry with quarterback Russell Wilson.

“We’ve done it right, we’ve done it safe,” Graham said of his rehab. “It’s time for me to start the connection with Russ and I think we both felt it. I’ve been out here busting my butt every morning and every afternoon so, you know, it’s time.”

Graham caught 48 passes in 11 games last season. He had at least 85 receptions every season from 2011-14 with the Saints before being traded prior to the 2015 season.

Graham said he’s down to around 260 pounds, about 15 pounds lighter than he was last season, and acknowledged that because “things have come easy” to him during his career, working to come back from the injury has given him a new appreciation for the game and his talents.

“When you’re away from it for as long as I’ve been, it’s very sweet when you get the opportunity to do it again,” he said.