'Cheerleader' Ray Lewis vows to return

Ray Lewis rejoined Baltimore Ravens practice as a spectator Friday, surprising teammates who were unsure when the 37-year old linebacker would return to Maryland while rehabbing a torn right triceps.

And, in a public statement released by the team, Lewis appears to indicate that he wants to return from the injury, not retire.

"It's truly great to be back with my teammates," Lewis said in a statement issued by the team. "I've really missed these guys and the feel of being around the team and in the locker room. I am focused on rehabbing and getting my arm and body as strong as they can be.

"I will speak in person when I know a little more about my progress. I'm working hard and looking forward to coming back and helping this team. But right now, the focus should be on the guys playing, and I'll be the biggest cheerleader I can be for them."

It is yet unclear when Lewis will return from the tear suffered Oct. 14 vs. the Dallas Cowboys. The injury is projected as a season-ending one, though Lewis was placed on injured reserve with an exemption that would allow him to return later in the season.

On Friday, Lewis watched practice in sweats and chatted with coach John Harbaugh, who recently said he was unsure when Lewis would return from rehab in Florida and Arizona.

In two games since Lewis went down, the Ravens were trounced 43-13 by the Houston Texans, and last Sunday defeated the Cleveland Browns 25-15, allowing rookie running back Trent Richardson 105 rushing yards on 25 carries. Baltimore (6-2) has five remaining games vs. teams which made the playoffs last season, including two meetings with the AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers and a Dec. 23 visit from the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants.


(usatoday.com)