ed-reed

From the Baltimore Sun:

But the nerve impingement issue he has in his neck and shoulder appears to be worsening. Reed said Wednesday that he has more pain with the injury this season, that he sees his doctor every week and that he continues to take anti-inflammatory medication for it.

“If there’s a point that I come to where it’s hurting me that bad and I don’t feel like I can be beneficial to the team on Sunday, then that’s when … I don’t need to be playing because I’m going to take away from what we’re trying to do,” Reed said. “Until I feel that way, I’m going to be out there trying to help

Reed, 31 and an eight-year veteran, acknowledged that he has experienced more pain this season. “And when I did have those pains, I didn’t practice a couple times because of it,” he said. “I’ve just got to stay up on my rehab and strengthening it.”

Reed had the problem coming into training camp a year ago and missed virtually all of training camp. Nevertheless, he had one of his best seasons, with nine interceptions and one forced fumble.

The reality that Ed Reed is a season to season decision is something that should be evident to all Baltimore fans. Even though he’s hurting he still has 5 of the team’s 11 takeways this season and is a playmaker. However his ability to hit is more sporadic. He can still do it as evidenced by his hit in the Denver game but there are also times when he appears tenative.

Either way it’s something to keep an eye on as Baltimore moves forward and continues to attempt to solve their defensive struggles.