Ed Reed Injury Update

Aug/22/08 12:27 AM Filed in: Ed Reed
EdReed
Free safety Ed Reed's status remains in question for the opener due to a left shoulder injury that involves nerves. Harbaugh is no longer confident the former defensive player of the year will be ready for the start of the season.

Reed hasn't been cleared for contact and has expressed reservations about his availability at the start of the season.

"I think it's a little more slow progress than we all thought it was going to be," Harbaugh said. "Maybe Ed has 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."

With Reed sidelined, veteran Jim Leonhard has started the first two preseason games. Rookie draft picks Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura are the Ravens' other options.

Reed has been grimacing in pain whenever someone bangs into his upper body, and doesn't seem to have full range of motion or strength.

"We continue to have doctors look at him, because we want to be absolutely sure," Harbaugh said. "It's not just about his ability to play in a game. Right now, nobody thinks he's at risk in any way, but we want to make darn sure that's the case"

(iht.com)