Baltimore Ravens LB Ray Lewis, who has missed the past few weeks due to injury, finally had season-ending surgery on his torn right hamstring. Lewis was only able to play in six games this year.

Lewis left during the fourth quarter of the Ravens' game against the Chicago Bears on October 23. Despite missing all of that time, Lewis has the second most tackles on the team still with 77. Ravens' S Ed Reed has been out for weeks as well.

"It was the right thing to do. It gives him the maximum rehab time, multiple opinions," said Ravens' head coach Brian Billick on Wednesday. "He sought them all, we sought them all. It was great that we were able to come to a resolution. I'm sure he's comfortable with it."

Lewis suffered a shoulder injury in 2002 that only allowed him to play five games.

Another reason for Lewis to remain out is the fact that the Ravens have played so poorly offensively this year, which is why they have a 4-8 record.

"The decision had to be made early. Do you have surgery or not? So the decision was let's rehab it and see where it is," Billick said. "Had you done the surgery six weeks ago, would it be appreciably different than doing it now? There's a school of thought that says let's strengthen it and see where it's at. Maybe you don't need surgery."

Lewis will be ready to go for the 2006-2007 NFL season.