Ravens nose guard Kelly Gregg will miss the rest of the 2008 campaign after having arthroscopic microfracture surgery on his left knee Tuesday. Gregg was placed on Injured Reserve, but is anticipated to return for the 2009 offseason.
"We expect Kelly to fully recover from the surgery," said Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome. "He should be ready for next spring's OTAs [Organized Team Activities]."
Head coach John Harbaugh first announced the news on his weekly radio show on WBAL.
Offensive tackle Joe Reitz, a converted collegiate basketball player at Western Michigan, also had surgery on his shoulder. Reitz was placed on Injured Reserve from the practice squad last week.
Both procedures were performed by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews of Birmingham, Ala.
Gregg, 6-feet, 315 pounds, quietly made a name for himself as one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. Last season, the nine-year veteran totaled a career-high 111 tackles, the fourth time out of the past five campaigns where he's topped the century mark.
The Ravens have used Justin Bannan in Gregg's place, and Baltimore's defense hasn't missed a beat, as it is currently the league's top unit. Bannan ranks fifth on the team with 16 stops. He also notched his first career interception last week against the Tennessee Titans.
Meanwhile, the Ravens released defensive tackle J'Vonne Parker and signed defensive tackle Brandon McKinney to the active roster.
McKinney, a former San Diego Charger, was not active in any of the Chargers' four games this season. He played in 21 games since signing as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan State in 2006.
Baltimore also added cornerback Anwar Phillips to the practice squad. Phillips, who spent the 2006 and 2007 seasons on the New Orleans Saints' practice squad, was with the Ravens briefly during the preseason.
