Right Off Russell

According to the Baltimore Sun, S Ed Reed will be inactive for tonight’s game against the Green Bay Packers.  Devastating loss for the Ravens who are already without LB Terrell Suggs and CB Fabian Washington.  Tom Zbikowski will get the start in his place.  Reeds play-making and flare for the dramatic will be sorely missed.  The defense needs to step up big tonight and the offense may need to bail out the Ravens. 

Do you get the feeling that this is just not the Ravens year?  Or is this type of adversity just what this team needs?

Various outlets are reporting that Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger will not play Sunday night at M&T Bank Stadium against the Ravens.  Reportedly, Dennis Dixon will make his first career NFL start for the Steelers.  This is a huge break for the Ravens as it looks like the Steelers two biggest play makers will be out for this pivotal home game.  I am still taking a “I will believe it when I see it” approach to Ben not playing, but I can say I am not disappointed by this news if it is accurate.

Ironically, according to the Baltimore Sun, the Steelers are expected to sign QB Tyler Palko from the practice squad.  Palko was the QB at the University of Pittsburgh who beat out Joe Flacco for the starting job.  Flacco subsequently transferred to the University of Delaware.