OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- The Baltimore Ravens placed nose tackle Kelly Gregg on injured reserve on Wednesday, a day after he underwent arthroscopic micro-fracture surgery on his left knee.
Gregg joins fellow tackle Dwan Edward, who started 13 games a year ago, on the season-ending list.
"These are two very good players, but we expect both back next season," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said in a statement released by the team. "Kelly is expected to be ready for the start of our organized team activities (OTAs) in the spring."
Gregg has not played this season because of the troublesome knee. His agent, Jack Bechta, said Monday night the knee was not responding to treatment, and that the operation will probably sideline the veteran until next May or June.
Gregg underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on his left knee in early August after getting hurt in training camp in late July. He has been dealing with a hole in his cartilage that has caused significant pain and discomfort.
"It's a very unusual injury from what I'm told," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said last week.
Gregg had been receiving cortisone shots to promote the healing process as well as injecting a fluid that simulates the natural cartilage in the knee. When Gregg underwent surgery in August, doctors removed scar tissue from his knee and smoothed out a groove in the bone.
Before this season, Gregg had played in every game for the Ravens since 2004. Justin Bannan, who is starting in Gregg's place, intercepted a pass in Baltimore's 13-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press