National Football League

Expect Ed Reed to be ready for Sunday

Published Jan. 19, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots

Ravens FS Ed Reed (ankle): Reed received an MRI on his ankle after landing awkwardly on it during the last play of their divisional-round victory over the Houston Texans. The results came back negative. According to the Baltimore Sun, Reed has been limited in practice all week and head coach John Harbaugh has indicated he fully expects him to start and play in the AFC Championship Game. Given the magnitude of it, I anticipate the veteran to play every snap he can.

Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez (concussion): Hernandez, who took a hit to the head in the divisional-round game against the Broncos, said that after the game he was OK, the Boston Globe reports. Being limited in practice this week, the Patriots have listed his status as questionable, but I don't think there's any doubt the Pats will utilize this offensive weapon against a tough Baltimore defense.

Health Rating: Ed Reed @ 75%

Health Rating: Aaron Hernandez @ 80%

New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers

Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot): Bradshaw was the only player for the Giants who missed Thursday's practice, due to his ailing foot. However, this shouldn't concern G-Men fans, as he's regularly missed Thursday practices this season in preparation for games on Sunday. Since this is his normal pattern, I see no cause for concern as long as he returns to practice Friday, I expect to see Brandon Jacobs and him contributing plenty to the Giants offense in the NFC Championship Game.

Health Rating: Ahmad Bradshaw @ 78%

Health Ratings: So what do the numbers mean?

100-85% = NFL players are tough and despite injuries still perform at a high level. Let's be honest, when is an NFL athlete really physically 100 percent ... practically never. With a rating in this range expect players to perform at peak levels.
70-85% = In this range a players performance will be affected but they can still get the job done.
55-70% = Players with a rating this low will require assistance to do their jobs. The team might be better served by placing these warriors on the inactive list. Only some All-Pros can get the job done when rated this poorly.
40-55% = These players need some more time to heal. Unlikely to be active unless miraculous healing occurs or my rating was based on erroneous information.
25-40% = Players will not play but show signs of recovery opening the door for a return to the active roster the following week.
< 25% = Players will not play and there is concern that additional games may be missed.