Ravensā?? Reed avoids a hit

OWINGS MILLS, Md. Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed avoided a one-game suspension for late hits after an appeal. He instead will be fined $50,000.

Reed was suspended for one game without pay on Monday by NFL vice president of football operations Merton Hanks for his third violation in three seasons of the rule prohibiting helmet-to-helmet hits against defenseless players. The third violation occurred in Sunday night's game at Pittsburgh: Reed hit to the head of receiver Emmanuel Sanders.

Reed appealed the ruling in a phone session Tuesday morning with NFL hearing officer Ted Cottrell. The NFL Players Association represented Reed, who also participated.

Hours later, Cottrell reduced the penalty.

Reed will be in uniform for Sunday's game in San Diego. The league has an appeal process to review situations like this, and Ed had his opportunity to answer questions about his play, Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said in a statement. We believe Ed clearly tries to play within the rules on every down.