Ravens lose defensive stars Ray Lewis and Lardarius Webb for year with injuries

OWINGS MILLS, Md. Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis will miss the remainder of the season with an arm injury, an enormous blow to an already depleted defense that has uncharacteristically struggled this year.

Lewis tore his right triceps during Sunday's 31-29 victory over Dallas. Cornerback Lardarius Webb also is out for the year after ripping the ACL in his left knee in the win against the Cowboys.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh confirmed Monday both are done for the year.

The 37-year-old Lewis leads Baltimore in tackles and is the voice of experience in the huddle. He's been invited to 13 Pro Bowls and is a two-time NFL defensive player of the year.

CBSSports.com NFL insider Jason La Canfora wonders if this injury could mean the end of Lewis' career in Baltimore.

"With his play already slipping -- as would be the case for any mortal linebacker approaching age 40 -- would this be his body telling him something, to go out while still close enough to the top?" La Canfora writes. "With the Ravens already facing possibly some uncomfortable issues already this offseason, given the age and plummeting production of their once-unimpeachable defense -- would this prove to be the time to move on, with Lewis set to make $5.4 million in 2013? And, dare I utter the thought, could the Ravens defense, particularly the run game, be better without Lewis?"

La Canfora adds: "Make no mistake, no one would ever discredit the unparalleled leadership, football intellect, spiritual and emotional lift and sheer presence that Lewis brings to any locker room, any huddle, any field of play. But, again, nothing is forever, particularly in this sport, and at some point there will come a time when the Ravens open a season without Lewis on the roster to serve as that sensei."

Webb, considered to be Baltimore's best cornerback, tore his right ACL as a rookie in 2009.