Another star player who could miss a season opener is Baltimore safety , who has had a lingering shoulder issue that will certainly keep him out for the entirety of the preseason.

After spending the first two weeks of Ravens training camp on the physically-unable-to-perform list, Reed returned to practice, but he has been wearing a red jersey, which signifies no hitting. He also seems to have trouble outstretching his arms at times.

Last week, Reed was noncommittal about being able to play in the opener, saying the injury was “more in-depth than you’ve been hearing about.”

Ravens coach John Harbaugh backed off his previous stance where he expressed confidence that the former four-time Pro Bowl selection would definitely be starting Sept. 7 against the Bengals.
   
“I think it’s a little more slow progress than maybe we all thought it was going to be. Maybe Ed had a sense of that at one time, because he’s the guy that feels it. We’re still optimistic that it’s going to be the first week, but I don’t think you can say definitely right now. We continue to have doctors look at him, because we want to be absolutely sure. It’s not just about his ability to play in a game. It’s the ability to make sure that we have no doubt whatsoever that he’s good from now and forever, and that he’s not at risk in any way. Right now, nobody thinks he’s at risk in any way, but we want to make darn sure that’s the case.

“But Ed’s also gotten a bunch of reps in the red shirt, so we feel like he’s going to be ready as well. Certainly, he doesn’t need certain things at this stage of his career, so I think we’ve managed it the best way we can in the situation.”

Reeds’ loss would be huge, as he has become arguably the most integral part of that Baltimore defense with Ray Lewis seemingly on the downside of his career. I’m sure Carson Palmer and Co. would be too disappointed to miss him in Week 1.

If Reed can’t play, four-year veteran Jim Leonhard seems to be the leading candidate to replace him. Leonhard, who started six games last season for the Buffalo Bills, started in place of Reed for the Ravens’ first two preseason games.

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