The Associated Press

OWINGS MILLS, Md. - Ray Lewis won't play against the Bengals this week and could be done for the season with leg and shoulder injuries, although the Baltimore Ravens haven't given up hope on getting their star linebacker back next month.

Lewis, who has missed six of the Ravens' last seven games, will ultimately have to undergo surgery on his partially separated left shoulder. Whether that happens before or after the season could be determined this week.

"We're still evaluating the shoulder, where he's at, what the doctors say, what he says," Ravens coach Brian Billick said Monday. "Obviously, the shoulder is going to be something we're going to have to contend with every week."

If the pain becomes too great for Lewis to bear, or if aggravating the injury is a possibility, then the five-time Pro Bowl player will be shelved for the season.

"I will tell you this, as of this moment right now, we have not made that determination," Billick said. "Could that determination come about by tomorrow or later in the week? Sure, possibly. But I've been saying that for a number of weeks."

Lewis missed five straight weeks because of his ailing shoulder before returning to action Nov. 17 against the Miami Dolphins. He was credited with 18 tackles, but a collision with teammate Ed Hurtle left him with a swollen calf and ankle.

Lewis watched from the sideline Sunday as Baltimore beat Tennessee 13-12.

"I think the leg's going to be OK," Billick said. "The leg was more of a difficulty than the shoulder; that's what kept him from playing on Sunday."

His status for the remainder of the season will probably be decided this week.

"We're in the re-evaluation mode. There are a lot of factors that have to come into play and will change between now and the end of the week," Billick said.

Lewis started 63 straight games before the shoulder injury held him out Oct. 13 game against Indianapolis. He's played in only game since, and barely survived that one.

"People want me to be frustrated. I'm not frustrated," Lewis said last week. "I just don't have the answers people want me to have. I just don't. Its just that simple. I'm just trying to get healthy and trying to play football, and we'll go from there."

The Ravens had the day off Monday, and Lewis was not available for comment.