For the last few weeks Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis was expected to miraculously comeback from a torn triceps muscle suffered earlier this season.

Now it looks like the Ravens won’t have their top defensive stalwart and leader back on the field until at least the playoffs. According to NFL.com, Lewis will miss the rest of the regular season, but a return in the postseason may be possible.

Lewis originally went down in Baltimore’s win over Dallas in Week 6, and his return this season was doubtful. Some even speculated the injury was career-threatening due to Lewis's advanced age and his intense, punishing level of play.

Baltimore is currently on a three-game slide, and have gone 4-4 since Lewis went down. The Ravens were optimistic Lewis would comeback Sunday against the New York Giants, a game that could clinch them the AFC North.

Instead, Lewis remains inactive, and the Ravens have moved rookie linebacker Adrian Hamilton up from the practice squad.

The 37-year-old and seven-time All-Pro has been the heart and soul of Baltimore since he was drafted out of Miami in 1996, and was named MVP of Super Bowl XXXV in the Ravens victory over the Giants.

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