Reed says there is no rift with Harbaugh

Speaking to the media Wednesday for the first time in several weeks, safety Ed Reed disputed media reports related to his injured groin and hip, and when he would return to action for the Ravens. Reed has missed the past three games.

Reed denied a Baltimore Sun report this week that he wanted to play against the Steelers on Sunday but coach John Harbaugh nixed that plan.

"Me and Coach didn't have any [disagreement] at all," Reed said. "Honestly, he asked me what I think, I told him I could probably give him about 15 plays. That's not my type of play. We made a decision that I would not play because we need the roster spot to give somebody a break on special teams. I was never in the game at all."

Reed also dismissed a report on ESPN that he'll play this week against the Oakland Raiders. The NFL Network had a similar report Tuesday.

"I was laying in the bed last night and saw ESPN reported that I was possibly playing," Reed said. "I mean, I was possibly playing the last couple weeks. There is no change. I'm not up right now, so I don't know where they're getting their information from, but it's wrong. [Reporters] seem to know the decision before I even make it. It's funny, but none of it is right. I don't really pay no mind to it."

So will Reed play this week?

"Honestly, it will be a game-time decision," Reed said. "It's a really hard decision when you don't practice. ... It's way tougher [with a groin injury]. It was a little tear, and not knowing without practice what you're going to get, it's really hard making that decision come game day."

Reed said he wouldn't have a problem playing in a limited role if he could contribute somehow.

"I'll be like a sixth man off the bench," Reed said. "Going into the playoffs, not knowing if I'm going to play this week and not knowing if I'm going to play next week, it's hard. But if I can be that sixth man off the bench, I'll be that."

Reed said being on the sideline has been eye-opening in some respects.

"It gives me a different perspective," Reed said. "Coaching is something I want to do. Not being out there affects you because you're not able to communicate the things yelling from the sideline. Guys don't like that. You just take it in stride."

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(baltimoresun.com)