Reed returns for Ravens just in time

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Baltimore Ravens gained some reinforcements just in time for the playoffs.

During the Ravens’ 21-13 victory Sunday over the Oakland Raiders, star free safety Ed Reed returned after being out for a month with a slight groin tear.

Reed registered five tackles. Most importantly, he didn’t aggravate his injury.

“I felt rusty,” he said. “All I did is knock off the rust. It felt all right. I’ve still got pain in it.

“Coming into this game, we knew this was a playoff game. I had to go.”

Reed moved around well, but the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year understandably didn’t seem as instinctive as usual. Reed displayed good range and reactions.

The six-time Pro Bowl selection estimated his health and capabilities at roughly 85 percent.

Reed was substituted for occasionally by safety Tom Zbikowski, who played well while filling in for Reed for the past four games.

During his absence, Reed missed the camaraderie with his teammates.

“It felt real good when I got to practice, just being around those guys,” Reed said. “They push you. Being around them, it honestly helps you to get through whatever you’re going through. Pain and injuries or whatever. So, they helped me more than anything.”

The Ravens will need a healthy Reed next Sunday against the New England Patriots during an AFC wild-card contest at Gillette Stadium.

“Glad to win, man,” he said. “That was No. 1, getting to the playoffs and trying your best to stay healthy and not really worrying about it.”

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(nationalfootballpost.com)