Baltimore Ravens Safety Ed Reed Unlikely to Be Suspended

After being flagged Sunday for a personal foul for hitting a defenseless wide receiver, the Baltimore Ravens and its free safety Ed Reed feared that he would receive a one-game suspension for the hit.

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported that it appears that Reed will avoid any suspension.

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#Ravens S Ed Reed can breath easier. I'm told a fine is probable for his shot on Victor Cruz. Suspension is unlikely. Still under review

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 24, 2012"

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In the fourth quarter of Sunday’s win over the Giants, Reed delivered a hard shot to Victor Cruz just moments after Cruz made a reception. Leading with his shoulder, Reed struck Cruz with a blow to his upper body. While he did not lead with his head, the hit still triggered a penalty because Cruz was defenseless while in the act of catching.

As a repeat offender, the Ravens safety faced a league suspension, as per NFL rules. Earlier this year, Reed was suspended for one game for a late hit on Pittsburgh’s Emmanuel Sanders. However, the Baltimore veteran appealed the NFL’s suspension and his suspension was reduced to just a $50,000 fine.

With Baltimore clinching the AFC North last weekend, losing Reed for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals would not be as devastating. However, with fellow safety Bernard Pollard ailing with a rib injury, Baltimore could have been without their two starting safeties. The Ravens have a chance to claim the No. 3 seed in the playoffs this weekend with a victory over the Bengals and a New England loss.