Ray Lewis could provide 'emotional lift' if ready Sunday

After losing three games in a row, the Ravens could use a spark to get them on track Sunday against the Giants.

And what better lift could the Ravens receive than getting future Hall of Famer Ray Lewis back on the field? Lewis, who has practiced the past two and a half weeks, tore his triceps two months ago against Dallas, which left the rest of his season in doubt at the time.

After being on injured reserve-designated the past nine weeks, there's a growing chance he could be activated this week. If so, it could boost the confidence of a defense that's had eight starters miss games due to injuries.

Although Lewis has declined to comment until he's able to play, the speculation continues to grow that he could return Sunday.

"It would be great to have him back," Ravens defensive coordinator Dean Pees said. "I said that a couple of weeks ago when we first started seeing him come back. I'd love to have him. I think it would be a great emotional lift, but more than that, we could use some bodies in there at linebacker."

The final call will come from Baltimore's training staff as to whether Lewis is OK to play. And with current injuries to LB Jameel McClain (neck, out for the season) and LB Dannell Ellerbe (ankle), Lewis would certainly be utilized in any kind of capacity if available.

Lewis has practiced the past two days but to what extent is unknown. Because he's on the injured reserve-designated to return list, the Ravens are not required to list him on the injury report. If Lewis is able to play, there's a chance the Ravens wait until Saturday to make the roster move so that it remains unknown as to how much Lewis practiced.

"As far as what he's looked like during the week, he's looked like Ray," Pees said. "At this time in the year, I don't think there are very many teams out there hitting like you do in training camp. So you don't necessarily see the physical part, but the mental part, it's not going to leave you after 17 years, missing a couple of weeks. He's there."

His teammates are certainly hoping to see No. 52 leading the defense this week as well.

"It would be huge," OLB Paul Kruger said. "It would be a huge morale boost, and of course with the type of game he brings as well. I hope it can happen. We'll see."

(cbssports.com)