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Posted at 10:32 a.m., Monday, December 24, 2007

NFL: Add RB McGahee to Ravens long injury list

Associated Press

Baltimore running back Willis McGahee will miss the season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers with two fractured ribs, an injury that further thins an already depleted roster.

McGahee's was hurt in Sunday's 27-6 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Baltimore played without linebacker Ray Lewis, cornerbacks Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle, tight ends Todd Heap and Daniel Wilcox, and quarterback Kyle Boller.

The list expanded as the game wore on. Besides McGahee, the Ravens (4-11) lost tight end Quinn Sypniewski (concussion), offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden (hamstring) and running back Mike Anderson (strained quad). Defensive tackle Kelly Gregg also left with a foot injury.

Earlier this season, defensive end Trevor Pryce and quarterback Steve McNair were placed on injured reserve.

Ravens coach Brian Billick won't blame his team's franchise-record nine-game losing streak solely on injuries.

"In my 30-some odd years, I don't remember ever having going through this type of thing," he said today.

Rookie Troy Smith, who received his first NFL start in place of Boller, is expected to start against the Steelers. Boller sustained a concussion two weeks ago in Miami and has not yet fully recovered.

"The doctors will not put him out there, even in practice, unless he is completely safe and cleared to go," Billick said. "Not knowing how his progression will be during the week, it's likely that Troy will get another start. We will prepare the game plan with Troy being the starter in mind."

Smith went 16-for-33 for 199 yards and a touchdown, but he lost two fumbles and did not get Baltimore on the scoreboard until connecting with Derrick Mason on a 79-yard TD pass in the fourth quarter.