Dannell

Ellerbe

Wheeler and Ellerbe would be options on the strong side in St. Louis, opposite Jo-Lonn Dunbar and next to James Laurinaitis. The position is one of just two to three weak spots on the Rams’ defense after dumpster-diving for Rocky McIntosh last offseason. Ellerbe is seeking $6 million annually. Wheeler should be cheaper.

The Ravens may lose Jarret Johnson and Jameel McClain to unrestricted free agency, but Ellerbe is a sound backup plan if the latter leaves for, say, the Colts. A hard-hitting 26-year-old, Ellerbe and McClain have been almost interchangeable over the past few seasons. Ellerbe could be a starter in 2012.

Ellerbe was tendered at the second-round level, partially because the Ravens weren’t sure if they would lose starter Jameel McClain in free agency. With McClain and Ray Lewis locked in as the starters, Ellerbe will be a fill-in and special teamer again in 2012.

The 16-year veteran sustained the injury in last week’s game. It must be serious for him to miss a key NFC North clash. Lewis reportedly traveled to South Florida on Thursday to visit a toe specialist. The Ravens will be without their team leader while the Bengals may play without their best offensive player in A.J. Green. Dannell Ellerbe and Brendon Ayanbadejo are options to replace Lewis.

Ellerbe was impressive while filling in for Ray Lewis, but the veteran is healthy now. Look for Ellerbe to return in time for the playoffs to serve in his backup role.

Anquan Boldin (knee) is also fine for this week’s game. The Ravens secondary will need the reinforcements of Smith and Zbikowski with Andre Johnson returning to provide a vertical threat.

Ellerbe missed practice all week, and has been spotted walking with a noticeable limp. If he’s unavailable, Baltimore will employ a combination of Brendon Ayanbadejo, Albert McClellan and Josh Bynes. Ayanbadejo figures to get the most work, but he’s unlikely to play an every-down role and is off the IDP radar.

Ellerbe has started the last four games with Ray Lewis (triceps) out. He was replaced after halftime by special teams player LB Brendon Ayanbadejo.

Ellerbe, who is Ray Lewis’ fill-in, said he intends to play against the Steelers in Week 13. “I will do everything in my power to be out there. I got rolled up in a pile and fell on it. It’s not that bad,” he said. Brendon Ayanbadejo and Josh Bynes finished out Sunday’s overtime win over the Chargers.

In the four games Lewis missed last year, Ellerbe averaged 3.6 tackles while McClain stepped up with 8.5 per game. They’ll rotate, but IDP owners now desperate for linebacker help can get some cheap tackles out of McClain. “Those guys have played a lot of football and we’ve got a lot of confidence in those guys, Jameel and Dannell,” coach John Harbaugh said. “We feel good about that.”