Reed may miss Bears game

The Bears beat Pittsburgh when Troy Polamalu was sidelined and now may play Baltimore on Sunday without Ed Reed, who missed practice Wednesday with ankle and groin injuries. Reed, a four-time first-team All-Pro, and Polamalu are widely regarded as the NFL’s two best safeties.

“I’ve seen some plays that he’s made where it seems like he knows the play before it happens,” Bears coach Lovie Smith said of Reed. “They are losing a lot when he’s not on the football field, but we assume he’ll be there. It will be a big challenge for our receivers to play against a guy like that.”

The Ravens (7-6) are known for Ray Lewis, a six-time first-team All-Pro linebacker, but Bears quarterback Jay Cutler said Reed is equally as vital to Baltimore’s defense.

“It’s both of them,” Cutler said. “It doesn’t matter what coverage they are in, they react differently than other guys. They see things quicker, so they get to the ball in a hurry.”

Long injury list
The Ravens held 10 players out of practice Wednesday and two other starters, linebacker Terrell Suggs and wide receiver Mason Finger, were limited.

The Bears held out three starters: cornerback Zack Bowman (illness), cornerback Charles Tillman (back) and receiver Devin Hester (calf). Defensive tackle Tommie Harris (knee) was limited. Left tackle Orlando Pace (groin) returned to practice after missing the last two weeks.

“I’m feeling pretty good,” said Hester, who sat out last week. “It’s getting better, but it’s still on a day-to-day basis. I’ll leave it up to the trainers and see what they say. I rely on my legs a lot, so if I have one bad leg, then it’s tough.”

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(rrstar.com)