On The Ravens Case: Reed returns

Injury updates

- Ed Reed and Brendon Ayanbadejo both returned from the practice field this afternoon. While this is encouraging to the Ravens, there is a chance that they may not play this week and get an extra week next week with a bye and be ready for the second part of the season.

- Todd Heap was at practice this afternoon wearing a baseball cap and was not expected to participate in practice.

-Tom Zbikowski was not at practice during the media portion as he is dealing with a heel injury he suffered Sunday vs the Patriots. Zbikowski said the MRI showed no damage to his achilles which he feared had been injured. He said his injury could keep him out two days or two weeks.

-Jared Gaither was not seen in locker room today and there has been no update on his injury status this week.

Helmet to helmet hits

Much of the talk this afternoon inside the facility was about the NFL coming down with fines for helmet to helmet hits. Offensive players obviously think it is about time that something is done, while defensive players said that some of the fines are " outrageous" and that they are trying to change the way you play the game.

Derrick Mason pointed out that there are guys that go in with their shoulder or head up,but just the way hits happen it appears to be helmet-to-helmet. Mason also pointed out that you know the guys that go in there and go in there with the helmet.

Willis McGahee wondered why this rule was not in place when he got hit in the AFC Championship game.

What you talking about Willis

Speaking of Willis McGahee, he said he has no problem in the role that he is in right now with the Ravens, "I know Ray(Rice) is the guy, and if he goes down, I am going to be ready to play."

Ride the Raven

Fans coming to the game on Sunday will have a oppurtunity to ride the Raven bird that is featured in the Ray Lewis Old Spice commercials. The feathered friend will be out on Ravens walk from 10am-1pm on Sunday.