The Ravens made a decision on one of their injured defensive stars, but they will likely wait until game time tomorrow to make the call on another one.

The latter player, linebacker Ray Lewis, has been out since partially dislocating his left shoulder five weeks ago. He was upgraded from doubtful to questionable yesterday. Both coach Brian Billick and Lewis said his playing status won't likely be known until game time.

On the former, Billick said the sprained right ankle of cornerback Chris McAlister is "not ready to go." McAlister was downgraded from questionable to doubtful and Billick said Alvin Porter will make his second straight start in his place.

Lewis returned to practice Wednesday for a non-contact workout and took part in his first contact practice Thursday. Afterward, he said his shoulder didn't feel good.

When he woke up yesterday, Lewis said, he was very sore. He did little at practice yesterday, though that's not unusual for a Friday.

"I haven't felt that soreness in a while," said the five-time Pro Bowl player. "You could probably expect it because I hit the ground a lot.

"I want to say I'm playing Sunday, but I can't say that," added Lewis, who said conditioning will not be a factor. "I said I was playing against Pittsburgh three weeks ago, and Atlanta passed, Cincinnati passed. ... I'm just going to play it by ear and whatever comes of it, comes of it."

Taylor is diplomatic

Wide receiver Travis Taylor again steered clear of adding fuel to a possible quarterback controversy.

Since Jeff Blake replaced injured Chris Redman three games ago, Taylor has 15 catches for 261 yards and two touchdowns, but he said yesterday that his rising numbers are more the result of the offensive game plan.

With Brandon Stokley out with a foot injury and rookie Javin Hunter expected to start in his place, Taylor will likely be the focus of the Dolphins' secondary.

"I'm comfortable with either [quarterback]," said the third-year receiver. "We just have been going in there with a game plan, executing and making plays downfield."

Revenge element

Losers of three straight and part of a three-way tie for the AFC East lead with the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots, the Dolphins likely have enough motivation for tomorrow's game.

But if they don't, there are always the memories of last year's 20-3 Ravens victory over Miami in the AFC wild-card game at Pro Player Stadium.