The torn triceps that knocked Ray Lewis out earlier this year may have been termed “season-ending” by medical experts. But the Ravens linebacker isn’t letting himself be bound by any professional prognostications.
Lewis is expected to return before the end of this season, Yahoo! Sports reports, according to several sources within the Baltimore organization. Lewis tore his triceps in October but could be back by Dec. 16, when the Ravens host the likely playoff-bound Broncos, according to the report.
The hopeful news already has some Ravens thinking big.
“At the end of the day, you’re gonna see Ray Lewis again,” linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo said. “For the greatest player in Ravens history to be able to return from this injury and come on this championship run with us? When he was said to be down and out? Man, that’s critical mass. When he comes through that tunnel, that’s gonna be the earthquake and the tsunami.”
Ayanbadejo also suggested that Lewis is timing his return depending on how the Ravens (9-2) fare.
“He might not be back until we really need him,” he said. “Pittsburgh losing probably gives us more time.”
Lewis hasn’t been a stranger during his injury, showing up to cheer on his teammates — including a patented Lewis pregame speech Sunday. He didn’t answer questions about the report that his return was imminent.
“You’ve got eyes,” he said, according to Yahoo! Sports. “What do you expect to happen? I’m here to support my team.”
Lewis has reportedly been using platelet-rich plasma therapy to help his recovery. And he’s not the first Baltimore player to not be limited by a medical timeline this year — linebacker Terrell Suggs also came back early from an Achilles injury this season.
As if the Ravens defense wasn’t terrifying enough.
