Ravens 'hopeful' for Ray Lewis return

Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis is "probably the guy that's furthest away" among the team's injured players, coach John Harbaugh said Monday.

Harbaugh didn't rule out Lewis and indicated that he is "hopeful" that the team's all-time leading tackler will play Sunday at Cleveland. Lewis has missed the past two games with a toe injury.

"Ray has a sprained toe, turf toe kind of thing, so those are a little more unpredictable," Harbaugh told reporters at Monday. "I'm hopeful. I've used that word before. I think he's got a real good chance [of playing Sunday], but we'll just have to see how it goes."

Lewis' top backup, Dannell Ellerbe (groin), is expected to return after missing Thursday's game. With Lewis and Ellerbe out, Albert McClellan, an undrafted rookie in 2010, started at inside linebacker.

"Ray's probably the guy that's furthest away ... but then again, you never know," Harbaugh said.


(espn.com)