By Dean Michaels, NFL Writer

Linebacker Ray Lewis is expected to see action when the Baltimore Ravens take on Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos Dec. 16, according to a team source.

A source told ESPN.com, that Lewis, sidelined with torn triceps, is eligible to return to the lineup on that day.

Currently, Lewis is on the injured reserve/designated to return list. He was eligible to begin practicing Thursday, but did not.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh, for his part, has classified Lewis' status as "day by day."

"He is not imminent to return to play (in a game) or anything like that, so to me it's really a nonstory," Harbaugh said. "He'll go out there when he's ready to practice when the elbow holds up. And when that happens, we'll let you know."

A former NFL Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl MVP, Lewis tore his triceps in the Oct. 14 game against the Cowboys and underwent surgery three days later.

Earlier, Harbaugh even described the injury as season-ending but Lewis promised to return to help the Ravens in their playoff push.

The Ravens (9-2) have a three-game lead in the AFC North and were 4-1 without Lewis in the lineup.

Baltimore can clinch the division this week with a win over Pittsburgh and a Cincinnati loss at San Diego.

Ravens Linebacker Ray Lewis to Return December 16 vs Broncos - NFL 2012