Ed Reed not ruled out for first game

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens star free safety Ed Reed's status for the regular season will be decided Saturday, according to coach John Harbaugh.

Reed, who has been running and not practicing following offseason hip surgery, hasn't been ruled out for the Ravens' season opener against the New York Jets.

The Ravens will either place Reed on the reserve physically unable to perform list, meaning the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year will miss at least the first six games of the season, or they'll activate him to the 53-man roster.

On Monday, Reed met with Harbaugh, general manager Ozzie Newsome, defensive backs coach Chuck Pagano and defensive coordinator Greg Mattison.

"He wants to come back, but he understands the situation, too," Harbaugh said. "There’s a lot more that goes into it. We have until Saturday to make a decision and I’m sure we’ll take until Saturday to figure that out."

Could Reed play against the Jets after not playing or practicing the entire preseason?

"The determining factor is going to be what’s best for his career long-term and what’s best for him to play at the level he’s accustomed to playing," Harbaugh said. "There is now way we’re going to rush him back. He’s probably the kind of guy who wants to come back as soon as he can. But he’s also been in this thing long enough to understand that you got to do it the right way."

Reed has politely declined interview requests, saying he's not required to conduct interviews during the preseason.

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