Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis’ return to action from a torn triceps would have generated a lot of attention under any circumstances.
The fact that it comes a few days after Lewis announced that he will retire after this season only serves to heighten the spotlight trained on Lewis. The news wasn’t a surprise to the Ravens, both coach John Harbaugh and safety Ed Reed said they knew the announcement was coming, and Harbaugh doesn’t think it or the injury will slow Lewis down at all against the Colts.
“He’s ready to go,” Harbaugh said, via Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. “He’s going to play in this game and he should be full speed.”
The Ravens were 5-5 with Lewis out of the lineup this season and 5-1 in the first six weeks of the year, which suggests having him back at full speed will be a serious boon to the Ravens defense. It should also help that the Ravens are otherwise healthy for the game. Every member of the team was able to practice on Friday and the Ravens should be able to avoid scratching anyone due to injury.