Reed's status for opener uncertain

It appears there are increased doubts whether Ed Reed will be ready to play in the regular-season opener.

A week after downplaying Reed's concerns, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said it's not a lock that the Pro Bowl safety will be in the starting lineup when the Ravens kick off the season Sept. 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Reed has missed the first two preseason games because of a shoulder injury.

"I think it's a little more slow progress than we all thought it was going to be," Harbaugh said today. "Maybe Ed had a sense of that at one time because he's the guy that feels it. We're still optimistic that he'll be there the first week but I don't think you can say 'definitely' right now."

Reed recently expressed uncertainty about his availability to start the season, but the Ravens seemed more confident at that time.

If Reed can't play, four-year veteran Jim Leonhard could replace him. Leonhard, a free-agent pickup, has started the first two preseason games.

Rookies Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura have also seen time with the first-team defense during training camp.

(baltimoresun.com)