Injury roundup: Ravens' Ray Lewis ruled out for Atlanta game

Nov/18/06 02:03 AM Filed in: Ray Lewis
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — The Baltimore Ravens officially ruled out linebacker Ray Lewis for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons with a swollen back.

Lewis underwent a minor surgical procedure to have a pocket of blood drained from his back earlier this week.

The seven-time All-Pro will miss his second consecutive game. He severely bruised his back when he collided with teammate Ed Reed's knee in a Nov. 5 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Team officials are hopeful that the surgery will allow Lewis to play next week against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"The other guys have to step up," Ravens coach Brian Billick said on Friday. "You don't have that comfort zone of always leaning on Ray. They have to make sure they pick up that leadership role as well."

The Ravens (7-2) are preparing versatile outside linebacker/defensive end Jarret Johnson to start at inside linebacker with former practice squad member Dennis Haley filling in on obvious passing downs. Starting inside linebacker Bart Scott will move over to play Lewis' spot, with Johnson occupying Scott's normal position.

(usatoday.com)