Pro Bowler Ed Reed plays through pain for Ravens

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — It’s been a strange Pro Bowl season for Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed, who has unwillingly gotten an early jump on his desire to get into coaching after his playing career ends.

After missing four straight games because of injuries, Reed returned in a limited role Sunday in Baltimore’s 21-13 win over the Oakland Raiders. The victory enabled the Ravens to earn a wild-card berth, and they will open the AFC playoffs Sunday in New England.

Reed intends to start against the Patriots [team stats]. But the eight-year veteran also expects to again share playing time with Tom Zbikowski, who started at free safety during Reed’s absence and saw plenty of action against the Raiders.

"It’s hard, but if I can be that sixth man coming off the bench, I’ll do that," Reed said, comparing himself to a basketball team’s top reserve player.

When healthy, Reed is one of the finest free safety in the NFL. Playing as the last line of defense on a unit with a reputation for hard hits and big plays, Reed has knack for turning the game in Baltimore’s favor. The 2004 Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year and six-time Pro Bowler has a franchise-record 46 interceptions and 13 career touchdowns. He is the only player in NFL history to score by blocking a punt, and returning a punt, interception and fumble.

Reed has been hindered over the past two seasons by a damaged nerve in his neck, but it was hip, ankle and groin injuries that forced him onto the inactive list in four December games. From the sideline, he drew from his experience to provide advice and guidance to Zbikowski and the defensive backfield.

"It gives me a different perspective. Coaching is something I want to do, but not being out there effects you because you’re not able to communicate the things you want," Reed said. "Yelling from the sidelines, guys don’t like that."

Reed didn’t realize how much he missed being a part of the team until he returned to practice last week.

"It felt real good, just practicing and being around those guys," he 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."

If the 31-year-old Reed can stay healthy, it will be years before he begins his pursuit of a coaching job. Playing with a slight groin tear and relying heavily on instinct after nearly a month of inactivity, Reed registered five tackles Sunday in Oakland.

"We knew this was a playoff game. I had to go," he said. "I felt rusty; all I did is knock off the rust. It felt all right. I’ve still got pain in it."

Reed’s return coincided with that of offensive tackle Jared Gaither, who also missed a month because of injuries.

"I think they both looked pretty good," coach John Harbaugh said. "Obviously, it’s tough to just go out there and play for the first time in four weeks. They haven’t had a lot of practice. I think they’ll get even better, but it was good see them out there."

Reed has only three interceptions this year, but makes no apologies for earning another trip to the Pro Bowl.
"It wasn’t a weird nomination. I played the majority of the season," he said.

His groin injury will probably keep him out of the Pro Bowl, although there remains a chance Reed will send his regrets if the Ravens play in the Super Bowl the following week.

"I don’t know about the Pro Bowl yet, as far as playing in that game. I’m not even thinking about that," Reed said. "I’m appreciative of the honor, but I’m just focusing on finishing the season."

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(bostonherald.com)