Report: Ray Lewis expected back Dec. 16

A Baltimore Ravens team source has told ESPN that the Ravens expect star linebacker Ray Lewis to return to game action on December 16th when the Ravens go up against Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. Lewis has been out since October 14 when he tore his triceps in a game against the Cowboys. After having successful surgery, Lewis was placed on the injured reserve/designated to return list. He was eligible to return to practice on Thursday but did not.

Lewis, a former Super Bowl MVP and NFL Defensive Player of the Year winner, was at one point not expected to return. The Ravens' coach, John Harbaugh described Lewis' injury as season-ending in October but this week described Lewis as "day-to-day."

The Ravens have gone 4-1 without Lewis in the starting lineup.