By: Mario Miller – Inspin News Staff

Ray Lewis, the Ravens’ All-Pro linebacker, hasn’t missed a game since 2007 but it looks like his streak is about to end on Sunday when they play against the Bengals. Lewis has missed the past two days of practice with a toe injury that might sideline him for several games.

This doesn’t bode well for the Ravens, who are 6-3 in a tight race with the Bengals (6-3) and the Steelers (7-3) for the AFC North. Sunday’s division game is therefore critical and without the two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year it’s going to be an uphill struggle for the Ravens.

Let’s remember, this is Ray Lewis, one of the most feared and vicious linebackers in the league. Baltimore’s defense is not the same without him and his replacement, Dannell Ellerbe, lacks the experience to cover the gap (Ellerbe has only started four games during his three-year career in the NFL).

According to the Carroll County (Md.) Times, Lewis visited a specialist to get another opinion on his toe. But when a player misses Wednesday and Thursday practices, it usually means that he will not play on Sunday.  

It wouldn’t be surprising to see No. 52 gear up and play. This is a guy who earlier this season, popped a shoulder, took himself out of the game and 30 push-ups later, cajoled team officials into putting him back in. That’s having passion for the game to say the least.

The team hasn’t made an official announcement yet, so I'm not assuming anything. Regardless, it’s still up to the Bengals’ offense to win this game. Let’s see if they take advantage of the lucky break.

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