Sept. 7, 2008

Ravens FS Ed Reed

 The sense in Baltimore is that FS Ed Reed’s playing status could be week-to-week all season as he contends with a nerve impingement in his left shoulder and neck. Reed is one of the top playmakers at his position in the NFL and the quarterback of the secondary. The play and communication of the group could suffer greatly if he were out for an extended period of time.

 Though Browns WR-RS Syndric Steptoe had a strong preseason, the feeling in Cleveland is that, over the long term, the falloff from Pro Bowler Joshua Cribbs to him would be significant. Cribbs is recovering from a high ankle sprain suffered in the preseason, a factor that likely worked in Steptoe’s bid to make the club.

 The most surprising of the Bengals’ all-star list of end-of-preseason cuts was ORT Willie Anderson, the way we hear it, given his leadership role with the club. Anderson said he was asked to take a pay cut, which he refused. Anderson ultimately signed with the Ravens, whose uncertainty about the readiness of young OTs Jared Gaither and Adam Terry no doubt played a major role in the decision to sign him. 

 The Steelers aren’t expecting big contributions from third-round OLB Bruce Davis and fourth-round OT Tony Hills in their first NFL seasons, the way we hear it. Davis is learning a new position, and the Steelers have good veteran depth at Hills’ position.