Ravens’ Lewis could miss rest of season

Owings Mills, Md. The Baltimore Ravens are concerned Ray Lewis could be out for the season because of a shoulder injury.

Lewis will miss a fourth straight game Sunday, against the Atlanta Falcons. Quarterback Chris Redman, who sat out last Sunday’s 31-18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, also will be sidelined this week.

Lewis, who had an MRI on Monday, has not played since partially separating his left shoulder Oct. 6 while pouncing on a loose ball against Cleveland. Ravens coach Brian Billick said Monday the team soon might be forced to think about shutting down Lewis for the year.

Redman, who has been bothered by back spasms, will miss at least one week and maybe two, according to Billick. Redman will be replaced by Jeff Blake.

Seahawks receiver released from hospital

Kirkland, Wash. Seattle Seahawks receiver Darrell Jackson was released from a Texas hospital Monday, one day after sustaining a concussion and having a seizure after a game against Dallas.

Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said Jackson underwent a CT scan and tests on his head and neck after Sunday’s 17-14 win and again Monday morning, and results were negative.

Additional tests were planned this week in Seattle.

Also, Seattle quarterback Trent Dilfer had surgery Monday on his torn right Achilles’ tendon and is out for the season. Dilfer was injured during the second quarter of Sunday’s 17-14 victory against Dallas.

Holmgren said Matt Hasselbeck will replace Dilfer as the starter but plans to work out several quarterbacks Tuesday. Among them is former Colts, Redskins and Falcons QB Jeff George.

Hodgins will return

St. Louis St. Louis Rams fullback James Hodgins practiced Monday for the first time since breaking his left foot in the preseason and could play Sunday against Arizona. Coach Mike Martz said Hodgins will be worked in slowly this week.

Colts’ James has MRI on right hamstring

Indianapolis Colts running back Edgerrin James on Monday underwent an MRI on his right hamstring and his status for this weekend’s game against Tennessee is uncertain.

James strained his hamstring against Washington on Sunday night and missed the entire fourth quarter. James rushed for a career-low 33 yards in the Colts’ 26-21 loss.

Results of the MRI were not immediately known.

Bucs’ McFarland ailing

Tampa, Fla. Tampa Bay’s top-ranked defense suffered a setback Monday when the Buccaneers learned that tackle Anthony McFarland will be out six-to-eight weeks because of a fractured right forearm.

Falcons release Jackson

Flowery Branch, Ga. The Falcons released receiver Willie Jackson on Monday. Jackson played in all seven games with one start and had 18 catches for 199 yards. He signed with the Falcons in July. Atlanta (4-3) signed Quentin McCord from the practice squad to replace Jackson on the 53-man roster.

Panthers’ Gilbert ailing

Charlotte, N.C. Panthers defensive tackle Sean Gilbert will miss the rest of the season because of a broken right hip, and linebacker Dan Morgan needs hernia surgery and will be out at least three weeks. Gilbert, a 10-year veteran, was injured in the second half of Sunday’s loss to Tampa Bay. Morgan has been slowed by a strained groin, but coach John Fox said Monday that surgery for a “sports hernia” should correct the problem. Also, quarterback Chris Weinke was cleared Monday to play again.

Harrison makes appeal

New York Chargers’ strong safety Rodney Harrison formally appealed his one-game suspension on Monday. Harrison, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, was suspended for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Oakland’s Jerry Rice. He brought with him video clips that he said prove he didn’t hit Rice helmet-first.