Baltimore Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis and safety Ed Reed -- the past two NFL Defensive Players of the Year -- have been ruled out for Monday night's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Baltimore (2-4) will also be without fullback Alan Ricard (calf) against Pittsburgh (4-2). Quarterback Kyle Boller, out for five games since hyperextending his right big toe in the season opener, is listed as doubtful. Boller could serve as the third quarterback against the Steelers and might be ready to play in two weeks against Cincinnati, the team said Wednesday. Wide receiver Mark Clayton (ankle), fullback Ovie Mughelli (ankle) and defensive end Tony Weaver (toe) are questionable. Ravens coach Brian Billick has said that Clayton has the best chance of playing Monday.

Winless on the road and in serious danger of falling out of playoff contention, the last-place Baltimore Ravens will likely be without linebacker Ray Lewis and safety Ed Reed when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night. Reed missed Sunday's 10-6 loss to the Chicago Bears with a high ankle sprain, and Lewis left in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury. Reed was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year last season, and Lewis won the award in 2003. Ravens coach Brian Billick said Monday it would be "optimistic" to believe that either player would be available in Pittsburgh for a game Baltimore (2-4) desperately needs to win in order to remain a factor in the AFC North.

2004 Defensive Player of the Year Ed Reed of the Ravens left Sunday's game with ankle sprains Sunday. Reed sprained both his knee and his ankle and did not return to the game. He will not need an MRI.