On the same day Ravens officials confirmed the loss of linebacker Ray Lewis for the rest of the year, the team also ended the season for Brandon Stokley, placing the fourth-year receiver on injured reserve.

Ravens officials said Lewis would have surgery on his hurting left shoulder in early December and said Stokley's left foot sprain sustained against the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 10 would also require surgery.

The Ravens signed receiver Milton Wynn, a 2001 fourth-round draft pick who spent most of last season as a game-day inactive on Tampa Bay's roster, to fill Stokley's spot, and the team will likely promote practice-squad safety Ray Perryman to the active roster, taking Lewis' spot.

The frustration continues for Stokley, whose sprain did not appear to be season-ending when first diagnosed. "Initially, the films look symmetrical, but his foot wasn't getting better," trainer Bill Tessendorf said. "What we have to suspect is that when he was standing on it the first time the films were taken, because he was sore, he didn't put as much weight on it. Now when we repeated the films the other day, it wasn't sore at all and we saw the widening. It needs to be fixed."

Last year was the first time Stokley played in every game, though he had knee problems throughout.

Stokley was placed on injured reserve two games into his rookie season with a dislocated shoulder and missed a game earlier this season with an ankle sprain. He missed nine games in 2000 and has missed 26 career regular-season games with injuries.

Now the team must make a decision on its future with Stokley, who will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Stokley finished the year with 24 catches for 357 yards and two touchdowns.

"He's a valuable part of what we do with that receiving corps and his experience," said Ravens coach Brian Billick. "That leaves us a receiving corps of one veteran [Travis Taylor] and nothing but rookies.

"It's unfortunate for Brandon. He worked very hard, and as we said going into this season, his ability to stay healthy was a big question for us because you knew he could play. We'll evaluate it. Brandon is a valuable member of this football team, and certainly we'll evaluate that in January. He has to evaluate it, too."

Stokley is seeking further information from foot specialists before deciding when to have surgery. The injury is similar to that sustained by Philadelphia Eagles running back Duce Staley that cut short his 2000 season, and the rehabilitation period is expected to last three to six months.

The Ravens will continue to rely on Ron Johnson and Javin Hunter to replace Stokley.

As for Lewis, team officials for the first time yesterday publicly came to grips with playing the rest of the season without the heart of the defense. The middle linebacker injured his left shoulder Oct. 6 in the team's fourth game. He missed five games, then played Nov. 17 in Miami, but sat out Sunday's 13-12 win over the Tennessee Titans.

"We don't have to dwell on it anymore," Billick said. "For three, four weeks now, every time we come off the field, that is what you want to know. The fact that there is a clear line of demarcation now as to what's before us and who is going to be doing it, clearly it's going to be easier."

Lewis' shoulder should take between four and six months to heal, which would have him ready in time for the start of training camp next season.

"The labrum, which is the cartilage ring that goes around and adds stability, he's got a tear on that," Tessendorf said. "That is what the MRI showed and the X-rays showed."

Bernardo Harris will continue to start in place of Lewis. The seven-year veteran has been solid, registering 50 tackles, two interceptions and no sacks in five games.

"Bernardo is doing a very good job," defensive coordinator Mike Nolan said. "He does change us a bit. It is our goal to use our players and their skills, and his are certainly different than Ray's. He is a more contact player than Ray is from the standpoint of taking on blockers and things of that nature, so we try and utilize his skills."

Though Lewis has played in just one of the past seven games, Nolan said having the possibility of his return was more beneficial to his defense as opposed to if Lewis had been immediately placed on injured reserve.

"As it turns out, it's been a good thing," Nolan said. "That would have let a lot of air out of our sails right then, and we were doing pretty good. I think this might be the best way because we learned how to play without him during the games, although Ray was preparing like he was coming back. I think if he would have just going on IR right away, it would have severed some of that."

NOTES: Linebacker Ed Hartwell was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his 15-tackle performance on a sore knee against the Titans. ... The Ravens are expected to sign guard Jim Jones to the practice squad today.

Next for Ravens

Matchup: Ravens (5-6) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (1-10)

Site: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati

When: Sunday, 1 p.m.

TV/Radio: Ch. 13/WJFK (1300 AM), WQSR (102.7 FM)

Line: Ravens by 3

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