Ravens DE McCrary placed on IR

Owings Mills, MD (Sports Network) - The Baltimore Ravens placed Michael McCrary on injured reserve on Monday. The two-time Pro Bowl defensive end is suffering from chronic knee problems.

"I think, collectively, the doctors have told him, 'Mike, you're just at too much of a risk here. At some point, you need to think more long-term,'" Ravens coach Brian Billick said. "But this was clearly Michael�s decision."

McCrary has played in just five games this season and knee problems limited him to 10 games last season.

After suffering an ACL tear early in the 2001 campaign, McCrary needed season- ending surgery. Despite extensive rehabilitation, McCrary's severely arthritic knees no longer allow him to play, said team trainer Bill Tessendorf.

McCrary, who played for Seattle for his first four seasons before joining the Ravens in 1997, has 71 career sacks. McCrary follows linebacker Ray Lewis (shoulder) and wide receiver Brandon Stokley (foot) on the IR.

The Ravens are expected to add offensive lineman Lawrence Smith to the active roster from the practice squad to take McCrary spot.

The Ravens are 6-6 heading into Sunday's game against New Orleans.

12/02 19:22:39 ET