OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Ravens have moved Ray Lewis to their active roster and placed wide receiver LaQuan Williams on injured reserve, meaning the inside linebacker is now eligible to play in the postseason.
Lewis began practicing on Dec. 5, which started a 21-day window in which he could participate in practices before the team was forced to either place him on the 53-man roster or leave the 37-year-old on IR for the remainder of the season. The veteran suffered a torn triceps against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 14 and was placed on IR with the designation to return on Oct. 17.
Coach John Harbaugh confirmed after the Ravens’ 33-14 win over the New York Giants this past Sunday that Lewis would not play against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17. The 17th-year linebacker was eligible to return to game action in Week 15, but the Ravens have erred on the side of caution as he continues to rebuild strength in his right upper arm that atrophied after the surgical procedure.
“We will not look at him again for this week,” Harbaugh said after Sunday’s game and confirmed the notion again on Wednesday. “We’ll look at him at the playoffs. It’s an injury that is a 12- to 16-week injury. If you do the math going back, we thought there was a chance. He is progressing really well.”
Lewis underwent the surgical procedure 10 weeks ago and is still on track to make a remarkable recovery in comparison to the typical timetable for coming back from such an injury.
Despite playing in only six games this season, Lewis ranks sixth on the team with 57 tackles.
Williams was placed on IR with a hamstring injury. The second-year wide receiver was active in 11 games this season, playing extensively on special teams.
“He has a hamstring that’s been bothering him, and he tweaked it in the game,” Harbaugh said. “That’s where we are at right now.”
