Ravens’ Lewis, Reed Won’t Play

Baltimore Raven middle linebacker Ray Lewis and safety Ed Reed -- the last 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 the Steelers (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.

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Ken Dorsey is expected to start for the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in place of rookie quarterback Alex Smith, who has two strained ligaments in his right knee.

Dorsey, a third-year pro who won a national championship at Miami, started seven games last season for the 49ers. He spent Wednesday’s practice as the 49ers’ first-string quarterback, and Smith watched from the sideline as San Francisco installed its game plan.

Though Coach Mike Nolan won’t announce his starter until today, Dorsey seems all but certain to get the job.

“My position is that no matter what happens, I’m going to go out there and prepare and be ready to go,” Dorsey said. “I have a lot of faith in this coaching staff, and they’re going to make the best decision.”

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Detroit Lion cornerback Dre’ Bly is expected to be out three to four weeks after having surgery on his right wrist.

Bly has four interceptions this season, trailing only Indianapolis’ Cato June in the NFL, and 28 in his seven-year career. Bly dislocated his wrist in last weekend’s 13-10 win over Cleveland.

R.W. McQuarters, who spent the previous five seasons in Chicago, probably will start in Bly’s place when Detroit (3-3) plays the Bears (3-3) Sunday at home for first place in the NFC North.

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Oakland Raider starting left guard Langston Walker had emergency surgery to repair a hemorrhage in his stomach.

After Walker complained of pain in his abdominal area Tuesday, the team’s training staff quickly got him to a doctor. The 6-foot-8, 345-pound lineman had an arthroscopic procedure later that day and is expected to be sidelined at least six weeks.

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St. Louis Ram defensive end Leonard Little, whose younger brother was shot to death last week, may miss a second straight game while in mourning.

Interim Coach Joe Vitt excused Little from a 28-17 victory over the New Orleans Saints last week, and the team is acting on the assumption its top pass rusher might not return until after the bye week Nov. 6. St. Louis (3-4) plays Jacksonville on Sunday before getting a midseason break.