OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett said he will start in Sunday's opener against the Buffalo Bills after coming back from what he humorously described as a trial separation.

Forsett, the Ravens' leading rusher the past two seasons, confirmed Wednesday that his brief release from the team was part of a roster maneuver and said he has returned to his spot with the first-team offense.

"I'll be lining up there as the starter as of now," Forsett said. "It's my job to go out there and try to dominate and make it clear for them."

The Ravens have more depth at running back than they've had in years. Coach John Harbaugh said he wants to get all of his running backs involved, and that could lead to a running back by committee with Terrance West, rookie Kenneth Dixon (who is currently injured) and Buck Allen.

Forsett, who played in only two preseason games, insisted he is ready to carry the ball 20 to 25 times in a game if called upon.

"I'm excited," Forsett said. "Feed me."

Baltimore surprisingly cut Forsett on Saturday to open up a roster spot for either defensive tackle Carl Davis or safety Matt Elam so they could become candidates to be the one player designated for return at midseason. Forsett was released because he is a vested veteran and wouldn't have to go through waivers.

Two days later, Forsett was back with the Ravens for the first practice leading up to the game against the Bills.

"I was very much in the loop," Forsett said. "We decided to go with the trial separation. During that time, we realized that we're better together, and we came back and made it work."

Coach John Harbaugh praised Forsett for being a team player.

Justin Forsett called his release by the Ravens a "trial separation" and said he was kept in the loop by the team about the roster maneuver. Mark J. Rebilas/USA Today Sports

"He handled it just like you would expect a man of his character to handle it," Harbaugh said. "He was great, he wants to be here, and he was going to be here, and he is here."

Forsett said he had to put his trust in Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome about the plan. A couple of teams contacted the running back during his short time as a free agent, but no one was close to the Ravens' offer.

He was amused by the reaction from family and friends, who called to comfort and encourage him. He also heard from fantasy football owners when it was announced he was released Saturday.

"Some concerned fantasy owners told me that they drafted me and now I screwed them," Forsett said. "It's all my fault."

Forsett signed a two-year, $6 million deal with the Ravens, which is exactly what he had left on his current deal before he was cut. The only change was a $100,000 incentive if he surpasses his rushing total from last season (641 yards).

"It was fun negotiating that," he said.

To earn that extra money, Forsett has to beat out his fellow running backs, all of whom are 5 years younger than he is.

"It's probably the most talented group since I've been here," Forsett said. "We push each other. It's going to take all of us at the end of the day to go out there and perform. I'm confident."