At this point, the Ravens don’t just need Ray Lewis to come back.
They might need Peter Boulware, Jamie Sharper, Duane Starks and Chris McAlister and several other old hands just to get them through the season.
After losing yesterday without four of their top five tacklers, they’re now without Jameel McClain for the season.
According to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, they’re placing the inside linebacker on injured reserve with a a spinal contusion.
McClain didn’t play in yesterday’s loss to the Broncos, after injuring his neck against the Redskins the week before. Linebacker Dannell Ellerbe was also sidelined, leaving them incredibly thin inside.
Lewis is now eligible to return from IR/designated for return, but hasn’t been added to the active roster yet. If he comes back, there’s certainly a need for him, but it’s unclear when that will happen.