Ray Lewis injury: 'Devastating' and 'horrible' for the Ravens

Ray Lewis' injury is suspected to be a torn triceps that will end his season - and possibly his illustrious NFL career.

For starters, Lewis is an essential part of a Baltimore Ravens defense that was expected to be one of the league's best coming into the 2012 season. The Ravens haven't been the league's best squad, but they're allowing just under 20 points a gam and are 5-1 with Lewis playing a huge part. Ravens bloggers at Baltimore Beatdown discussed what Lewis' loss could mean for the rest of the year:

Overall the loss would be devastating, but it's not like the Ravens defense has been shutting down anyone at anything thus far, so perhaps a new strategy with fresh new blood won't be the worst thing in the world. Perhaps the team could rally behind their injured players and Ed Reed could remember how to tackle and all will be well in the end.

Without him, the team will turn to Dannell Ellerbe at Lewis' middle linebacker spot opposite Jameel McClain.

However, the injury could have larger implications when it comes to the career of the surefire Hall of Famer. Lewis is 37 years old, playing in his 17th year in the league. It's just speculation, but if he's forced to miss the rest of the year, he might not choose to return for an 18th. Baltimore Beatdown chose not to think about the implications of the potential retirement of the 13-time Pro Bowler, but they acknowledged it could be a strong possibility:

If the rumors are true and Lewis will not play again this season, I believe it will be his last. It is a horrible end to an amazing career and maybe Lewis can help this team from the sidelines for this season and beyond.

Lewis is undergoing an MRI Monday to assess the extent of the damage to his arm.