Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis sat out with a toe injury in Week 11, the first start he has missed since the 2007 season. But if he sits out again this week, it will be his decision.
The Ravens will allow the 12-time Pro Bowl linebacker to choose whether or not he will play Thanksgiving Day at home against the San Francisco 49ers, sources with knowledge of the situation said Monday.
Lewis' injury isn't season-ending. The Ravens expect him to return this season, and doctors have given him a similar diagnosis.
But Lewis will decide if he can play, and he has told some in the organization he believes he might be able to go Thursday. He officially was listed as limited in Monday's practice.
Some have recommended to Lewis that he sit out against the 49ers, and, ideally, the upcoming games against the struggling Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts. That would circle the Dec. 18 game at San Diego as Lewis' return date, allowing for as much rest and recovery time as possible.
Sources have said that's the longest Lewis is forecast to be sidelined. But Lewis could push his way back on the field well before then.