Reed's return is up to him, Harbaugh says

With Ed Reed a week away from coming off the NFL's physically-unable-to-perform list, Ravens coach John Harbaugh insisted Wednesday the timetable for the Pro Bowl safety's return is still up to Reed.

"That's going to be up to Ed and the doctors and the trainers to see how it goes," Harbaugh said. "He's going to push himself as hard as he can, but then really it will be his call, because he's going to know whether he can [play]. He's the guy who's been in the league forever [nine years]. He knows what he can do and what he can't do."

Reed has been rehabilitating from hip surgery in April. Recently, he has worked off to the side at the Ravens practice facility during team workouts. He initially injured the hip in late November and missed four games in December before returning for the season finale and the playoffs.

Expectations are that Reed will come off the PUP list for the Oct. 24 home game against the Buffalo Bills, having served the obligatory six-week inactive period. But Reed would have an additional 21 days to practice with the team before a decision on his status must be made. At that point, he could join the active roster, be released, or finish the season on the PUP. Harbaugh was cautious in addressing Reed's potential return.

"I guess you've got to be careful what you say," Harbaugh said. "I don't know. I am hopeful, I'm optimistic, [and] I feel like [Ed] is doing great. What I was trying to say was [Ed] is working really hard and he looks good. But you don't know [when he will feel well enough to play]."

Also eligible to return from PUP after this week are special teamer Brendon Ayanbadejo and running back Matt Lawrence. Harbaugh characterized Ayanbadejo's return as being similar to Reed, but said Lawrence "is probably the most grey right now, as far as returning."

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(baltimoresun.com)