Ravens’ Ray Lewis won’t play Sunday, may return for playoffs

Despite an encouraging week of practice and a desire to return, Ravens inside linebacker Ray Lewis won’t play Sunday against the New York Giants.

Lewis, who hasn’t played since Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys because of a torn right triceps, was not activated before Saturday’s 4 p.m. deadline, making him ineligible to face the reigning Super Bowl champions. It will be the ninth straight game Lewis has missed.

However, Lewis, 37, whose right arm has atrophied after having surgery on Oct. 17, apparently hasn’t done enough to convince the team’s medical and coaching staff that he is ready to play. He is also not expected to return for next weekend’s regular-season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals, though team officials haven’t ruled out the 13-time Pro Bowl selection’s return for the playoffs.

Tim Tebow could play for Jacksonville next season

It’s never too late to go home. Even for Tim Tebow.

The Jets’ backup quarterback probably will end up in his hometown of Jacksonville in 2013, according to an ESPN report.

Citing league sources, senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen wrote on Saturday that it’s a “virtual certainty” Tebow will land with the Jaguars — the only other team that expressed interest in him before Denver traded him to the Jets.

A source confirmed to Newsday earlier this week that the Jets plan to either trade or release the polarizing quarterback, who has been a non-factor all season. But league sources, according to ESPN, say the Jets are expected to “honor Tebow’s forthcoming request to be released and therefore become an unrestricted free agent.”

Steelers unveil Immaculate monument

Franco Harris and the dynasty Pittsburgh Steelers — and even an old Oakland Raiders linebacker — returned to the spot of the Immaculate Reception on Saturday to unveil a monument on the eve of the 40th anniversary of the play.

At a tent next to Heinz Field, Harris and former Steelers teammates ignored chilly conditions during the festive ceremony.

The monument is at the exact site of Harris’ famous touchdown reception at Three Rivers Stadium in a 13-7 victory over the Oakland Raiders in an AFC playoff game on Dec. 23, 1972.

Etc.

The Jacksonville Jaguars activated linebacker Daryl Smith from injured reserve and placed safety Dwight Lowery on IR because of a foot injury.