Browns’ rookie ready for Ravens

BEREA (AP) — James Davis has walked in Jamal Lewis’ shadow for years. On Sunday, Cleveland’s rookie running back may have to step out of it.

It may not be a lot of fun.

With Lewis nursing a hamstring injury, Davis, who attended the same Atlanta high school as his more famous teammate, could make his first start when the offensively challenged Browns visit Baltimore to play the Ravens and their bone-bruising defense.

Lewis missed his second straight day of practice on Thursday, increasing the possibility that he’ll sit out against the Ravens, his team from 2000-06. The durable 30-year-old, who has made 118 of a possible 122 starts since his rookie season, was injured in last week’s loss at Denver.

“We’re going to have to see with Jamal,” Browns coach Eric Mangini said. “He approaches everything the same way. He’s working at it.”

Lewis will do everything he can to play, but if he can’t go, Davis is waiting.

“If my number’s called this weekend,” he said. “I’ll be ready to go.”

Davis, selected in the sixth round from Clemson, got a rude welcome to the NFL two weeks ago in the season opener against Minnesota. He rushed for 4 yards on five carries and sustained an injured shoulder in the fourth quarter on a jarring tackle by Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield. Davis was inactive last week in Denver because his shoulder was still bothering him.

“He hit me pretty good,” Davis said Thursday. “It’s the game of football, you’re going to get hit. It’s all about how many times you keep getting up.”

That could be a challenge this week.

The smash-mouth Ravens (2-0) love to attack ball carriers.

Holes and yards will be hard to come by.

Baltimore leads the league in run defense, yielding 41 yards a game and a 2.2 rush average. The Browns have yet to get their rushing game untracked and come in ranked 28th of 32 teams, netting 71 yards a game and a 3.5 average.

The quiet Davis, who made noise this summer by averaging 7.8 yards per carry and leading the Browns in rushing during the exhibition season, was asked if he’s had any recurring nightmares about Ray Lewis, Baltimore’s menacing middle linebacker.

“No,” he said. “But I have seen that play on ’SportsCenter.”’

That play was Lewis’ clutch stop last week of San Diego running back Darren Sproles on a fourth-and-2 play in the final minute to preserve Baltimore’s 31-26 win. It was the type of play that has defined Lewis’ 14-year career. While his fiery personality and in-your-face pregame pep talks to teammates have raised his profile, Lewis is as fundamental as they come.

“He’s such a smart player, that’s what people don’t realize,” said Browns lineman Hank Fraley. “He’s such a student of the game. He sees things before they actually happen.”