Lewis absent from Ravens practice for third straight day

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — After three extra days of rest following the Ravens’ Thanksgiving win over San Francisco, there was optimism that Ray Lewis could return to the field against Cleveland on Sunday.
That hope has shrunk to not much more than a glimmer as the injured linebacker (toe) was absent from practice for the third consecutive day on Friday, making it more likely that Lewis will miss his third straight game this weekend against the Browns. Though the veteran Lewis would certainly have the blessing to play in a game without having practiced all week, it’s apparent the turf toe injury he suffered in Seattle last month is not improved enough to play with five games still remaining in the regular season.
Dannell Ellerbe would likely get the start in Lewis’ place after the third-year linebacker from Georgia was sidelined last week with a lingering hamstring issue. Though Albert McClellan played solidly in his first career start last week, Ellerbe participated fully on Wednesday and Thursday, meaning he will likely get the nod barring a setback before Sunday afternoon.
Cornerback Chris Carr (back) was also absent from the portion of practice open to the media as the Ravens practiced indoors on Friday in their final workout before traveling to Cleveland on Saturday. The veteran defensive back practiced on a limited basis on Wednesday before sitting out a day later.
The referee for Sunday’s game between the Ravens and Browns will be Ed Hoculi.
The forecast for Sunday calls for a 50 percent chance of rain and a high temperature of 51 degrees, according to Weather.com.
Bill Macatee and Steve Tasker will have the call for CBS on Sunday.