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ESPN Senior Writer- ESPN NFL Insider
- Joined ESPN in 2009
- Former president of the Pro Football Writers of America and the author of four books
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SportsCenter correspondent / NFL reporter- Sal Paolantonio joined ESPN as a SportsCenter correspondent in August 1995, primarily reporting on the NFL. Beginning in 2004, he also served as host of NFL Match-Up, a weekly "Xs and Os" football show produced by NFL Films.
The Baltimore Ravens did not activate Pro Bowl linebacker Ray Lewis by Saturday's 4 p.m. ET league-mandated deadline, which means he is not eligible to play in Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos.
League sources told ESPN that Lewis tried to convince coach John Harbaugh to let him play, but the Ravens want to give Lewis, who tore his right triceps on Oct. 14 against Dallas, one more week to heal.
Lewis returned to practice Dec. 5.
"He's Ray Lewis. Everybody knows how much it means," linebacker Jameel McClain said. "Whether it adds up to something in the long run, we don't know that yet. Only Ray knows that. But having him here is definitely a plus for all of us."
Lewis (57 tackles, one sack) was the Ravens' leading tackler at the time he suffered the injury.
During a spectacular 17-year career, Lewis has been invited to 13 Pro Bowls, has been named Super Bowl MVP and has been a two-time NFL defensive player of the year. He will turn 38 in May.
Lewis missed four games last year with a toe injury.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.