Perry has surgery on fibula, out for season

Tailback Chris Perry underwent surgery this morning on his fractured fibula and is out for the season. Coach Marvin Lewis declined to comment further on roster moves at his news conference this afternoon.

The Bengals are required to make a decision this week on defensive tackle Jonathan Fanene (hamstring), who has been on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

Lewis would not confirm that the team would practice tonight under the lights inside Paul Brown Stadium, and access today for the independent media was limited to Lewis' news conference at 3:45 p.m. Players have been arriving since about 4 p.m., and a prime-rib dinner is being served for players, coaches and other Bengals employees in the stadium cafeteria.

Defensive tackle John Thornton (knee) will be doubtful for the Thursday night game against Baltimore. He was injured in pre-game warmups at Cleveland, Lewis said.

The game is a key one in the playoff race. The Ravens are 9-2, three games ahead of the 6-5 Bengals in the AFC North. The Bengals need the victory to stay in the thick of the wildcard chase.

Right guard Bobbie Williams (appendix) and left tackle Levi Jones (knee) are out. Center Rich Braham (knee) improves to questionable. He has been out since Week 2.

"When Richie has an opportunity to come back and play, he'll have to prove he's ready," Lewis said. The coach praised the play of second-year center Eric Ghiaciuc and appeared to be in no hurry to rush any of the three starting offensive linemen -- Braham, Jones or Williams -- back from injury.

Stacy Andrews has started two games at right guard. Andrew Whitworth is playing well as the starter at left tackle.

Besides Braham, Lewis said cornerback Deltha O'Neal (shoulder), wide receiver Kelley Washington (hamstring), linebacker Brian Simmons (neck) and tight end Tony Stewart (kidney bruise) are questionable. Stewart has been cleared to play.

The Ravens are ranked second in total defense and run defense and ninth against the pass. They have four players with at least six sacks each and are first in sacks per play.

Baltimore also leads the NFL with a plus-15 in turnover differential. Cincinnati has climbed into a tie for fifth at plus-8.

Offensively, Baltimore has won five games in a row since coach Brian Billick fired offensive coordinator Jim Fassell and assumed play-calling responsibilities.

"They have done what good teams are supposed to do," Lewis said of the Ravens. "They've won the games they're supposed to win. They've put them in a position to win games. (Quarterback) Steve McNair has given them a sense of calmness."