Ogden likely out, McNair iffy, Lewis ready for Ravens

 

 

By David Ginsburg

OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Baltimore Ravens left tackle Jonathan Ogden will almost certainly miss Sunday’s game against the New York Jets, and the status of injured quarterback Steve McNair remained uncertain Wednesday as the team began preparing for its home opener.

But middle linebacker Ray Lewis declared himself ready to go despite straining his right triceps on the Ravens’ opening defensive play Monday night in a 27-20 loss to Cincinnati.

“My arm feels so much better,” said Lewis, who did not participate in the practice session. “It feels great. The pain is there, of course … but I’m actually fine.”

Ogden aggravated his hyperextended left big toe in the first half Monday and did not play in the second half. He was very pessimistic about facing the Jets (0-1).

“I doubt it. I don’t think there’s any way I can play,” the 10-time Pro Bowler said. “You never know. Miracles have occurred before, but…”

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Ogden originally hurt the toe in December. Asked if he expected to return sometime this season, he replied, “I am confident of that. It’s a little disheartening, the situation right now, but at the same time I’m going to keep a positive outlook and hope I can get myself out there. We’re just going to have to see how it goes.”

There was no uncertainty surrounding kick returner B.J. Sams, who was placed on injured reserve Wednesday after tearing ligaments in his knee during a runback against the Bengals.

Rookie Yamon Figurs will take over the return chores. He will be backed up by Cory Ross, who was activated from the practice squad to fill Sams’ place on the roster.

McNair was pulled in the fourth quarter against the Bengals with a groin injury, and coach Brian Billick could not guess whether McNair or backup Kyle Boller would start against the Jets.

McNair wasn’t too sure, either.

“I think the soreness is kind of going away. I’m getting treatment three or four times a day,” he said. “Hopefully every day gets better and hopefully I can get out there on Sunday and play. That’s my goal. That’s my ultimate thing. I’ve been through this before, as far as injury-wise not participating much in practice and then playing and playing well. “

McNair said the injury occurred during Baltimore’s first series. He tried to make it to the end, but finally gave up because he figured the Ravens could move the ball better with Boller taking the snaps. “I got hit on the first pass, I think, when the guy twisted me around. I tried to suffer it out for three-and-a-half quarters,” McNair said.

The Ravens committed six turnovers, including four by McNair.