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Ed Reed now Texans third safety

The former All Pro has been knocked out of his starting role in Houston.

Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
James Dator
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.

Houston Texans safety Ed Reed has lost his job as starting free safety, but defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is adamant that Reed is being used how the team needs him.

Reed has totaled 16 tackles in six games, without an interception or forced fumble. He’s on pace for the lowest total of his career, and is now being used as a rotational defensive back in nickel situations. Phillips would not say whether Reed would regain his starting job, saying that he will rotate in depending on the offense scheme the team faces.

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Third-year safety Shiloh Keo has supplanted Reed on the depth chart after starting the season with 25 tackles and one interception. This is his first time experiencing the lion's share of first-team reps, as Keo was relegated to primarily a special teams role over his first two seasons.

It was believed Reed would retired after winning a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens in 2012 and his relegation in Houston could foreshadow his eventual retirement in 2014.

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