OWINGS MILLS – Baltimore Ravens All-Pro middle linebacker Ray Lewis is the "furthest away" from returning in time for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns among the injured players, according to coach John Harbaugh.
Lewis has missed the past two games with a turf toe injury suffered against the Seattle Seahawks.
Lewis was extremely limited in practice last week and was listed as questionable on the injury report heading into the Ravens’ 16-6 win over the San Francisco 49ers. A two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Lewis remains the Ravens’ leading tackler.
"Ray is probably the guy that’s the furthest away, if you’re going to look at all the guys, but, then again, you never know," Harbaugh said. "Ray has a sprained toe, turf toe kind of thing. Those are a little more unpredictable. I’m hopeful. I’ve used that word before. I think he’s got a real good chance."
Harbaugh was more optimistic about the chances of inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (hamstring, groin) and cornerback Chris Carr (back) playing this week after being sidelined against the 49ers.
With extra time off over the weekend after their Thanksgiving game, the Ravens are getting healthier.
"The rest part of it is big, the fact that all those guys are going to get an extra three or four days of rest and more time to recover because it’s kind of a cumulative process in terms of recovery," Harbaugh said. "Ellerbe looks good, Chris Carr looks good. Most all those guys looked good coming into Monday."
Ellerbe is upbeat about his chances of playing Sunday despite a recurring hamstring injury that has prevented him from playing in five of the past six games.
"Hopefully, trying to," Ellerbe said of his prospects. "Pushing for it."
Ellerbe was disappointed that he wasn’t able to start again at middle linebacker after standing in for an injured Lewis against the Cincinnati Bengals.
"That was a big game," Ellerbe said. "I wanted to be a part of it. I just wasn’t ready."
The Ravens started Albert McClellan at weakside inside linebacker and shifted Jameel McClain to middle linebacker.
Ellerbe said he had to weigh the risk of whether he would aggravate the injury and possibly be out for several more games.
"You have to think long-term because it is a business and I didn’t want to go out there halfway healthy and hurt the team," Ellerbe said. "When I go out there, I want to be able to contribute, not be a factor in us losing or anything like that. I want to help us win."
Ellerbe remained in town over the weekend to get treatment at the Ravens’ training complex.
Ellerbe contributed to the Ravens’ win over San Francisco by mentoring McClellan, who started his first NFL game and recorded four tackles.
"I just told him not to think so much, just go over his plays," he said. "As long as he knows his plays, he’ll be all right. I’m proud of him."
Ellerbe, McClain and McClellan are all former undrafted free agents.
"We’re trying to prove ourselves," Ellerbe said. "We feel like we should have been drafted and we’re showing it."
ROSTER MOVES: The Ravens signed a pair of offensive linemen to the practice squad Monday, including the older brother of Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton.
Center Cecil Newton played collegiately at Tennessee State. The Ravens also signed former Fresno State offensive tackle Kenny Wiggins.
The Ravens had two openings on the eight-man practice squad. They promoted inside linebacker Josh Bynes to the active roster last week, and tackle Austin Howard was signed to the New York Jets’ active roster.
The Ravens also tried out offensive lineman Casey Bender on Monday.
NOT CLEARED: Defensive tackle Arthur Jones said he’s still not cleared to practice after suffering a concussion against the Seattle Seahawks.
NO CHANGE: Harbaugh affirmed that cornerback Lardarius Webb will remain the primary punt returner. Webb is averaging 7.2 yards with a long return of 29 yards and 12 fair catches.
