Source: X-rays on Ravens TE Todd Heap's back negative

X-rays on the back of Baltimore Ravens starting tight end Todd Heap came back negative, a league source told ESPN.com Monday.

AFC North blog

ESPN.com's James Walker writes about all things AFC North in his division blog.

•Blog network: NFL Nation

This is good news for the Ravens (10-7), who have a short week to prepare for Saturday's postseason game against the Indianapolis Colts (14-2).

Heap suffered a stinger in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 33-14 victory over the New England Patriots. The source described Heap's back Monday as "pretty sore." The two-time Pro Bowler is scheduled for further testing this week, and his playing status likely won't be finalized until closer to game time.

During his Monday press conference, Ravens coach John Harbaugh was optimistic about Heap's chances of returning.

"He's got some lower-back-type spasms," Harbaugh said. "That stuff can be tough, but usually you can work through that pretty well. So he should be fine."

During the regular season, Heap recorded 53 receptions for 593 yards and six touchdowns for the Ravens. He was the team's third-leading receiver.

Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed expected to miss 4th gameZaragoza sack Marcelino