The Houston Texans are hoping Ed Reed will be ready for Week 1 of the 2013 regular season. The veteran safety is still recovering from offseason hip surgery, and has suggested that he may not be ready to play on Sept. 9 against the San Diego Chargers, according to NFL.com. Texans general manager Rick Smith told NFL.com that he is optimistic that Reed will be ready, however:
Ed Reed injury: Texans safety targeting Week 1 return from surgery
Houston Texans GM Rick Smith is optimistic that Reed will be ready for Week 1, even if the veteran safety isn’t entirely sure himself.
Thomas B. Shea
“(Reed’s) rehab is going well,” Smith said. “The thing that is important, and we’re focused on, is to make sure he’s there Week 1 when we start playing for real.”
Reed suggested in June that an ill-intentioned leg kick by Tom Brady during the 2013 playoffs was the cause of his hip troubles. Brady was fined $10,000 for the kick, and the Baltimore Ravens ultimately got the last laugh by winning game and, eventually, the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, the cheap shot could delay Reed's debut with the Texans.
According to Smith, rookie D.J. Swearinger is already expected to see plenty of playing time at safety, regardless of Reed's status. Still, Swearinger could take on a larger than expected role as long as Reed sits. Danieal Manning should continue to play a regular role at strong safety.
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