The message boards are alive with rumors and conjecture that Ed Reed’s season (and possibly his career) are over.
Call me skeptical about those rumors.
It is no secret that Reed came into the 2008 camp, seriously contemplating calling an end to his career, due to the ‘nerve impingement’ in his neck that affected his shoulder. Reed was quoted at the time as stating, “If I had surgery now, you all would not be interviewing me ever again. If I had surgery, I would not be playing anymore.”
Seemingly in answer to that, Reed has spent these past two years playing less up on the line, and seeking less contact. During these past three weeks, Reed has appeared on the injury-report with listed groin/foot injuries.
The belief among many is that he suffered a more serious injury against Pittsburgh than has been reported, and that there are more than whispers inside the Castle that he will not return.
I have on good record, that on the Thursday before the Detroit game, that Reed attended a Xmas Party at Ravens Stadium. It was said that Reed told party goers that he fully expected to play again this year.
Has he not responded to rest/treatment?
Harbaugh was quoted as saying last week that he thought there was a good chance of Reed playing this past Sunday against Chicago, but it would be Reed’s decision. In the press-conference yesterday, Harbaugh was asked, “Is this week’s game against the Steelers the game that S Ed Reed has focused on as the date he would return from his injury?”
Harbaugh responded, “I don’t know. You’d have to ask him. He may have, he may not have. He’s worked hard every week to try to get back. It’s been my understanding he’s tried to get back every single week. He tried hard to get back this week, and he just couldn’t pull it off. So, he’s going to try hard to get back as well [for this game].”
If the team thought Reed was definitively done, they would IR him, as they could use the additional roster spot. If Reed was content to call it a career, why not say so publicly and be done?
To me, the fact that neither has happened points to the idea that Reed will continue to attempt to play again this season.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.