Ed Reed hip injury has Texans guessing when he'll be available

Ed Reed is recovering from offseason hip surgery, and the Houston Texans still don't know when the safety will be able to return, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. Last week, Texans general manager Rick Smith said that he hopes Reed will be ready for Week 1 against the San Diego Chargers, but the team has yet to release a firm timetable.

Reed suffered the injury on an apparently ill-intentioned leg kick by Tom Brady when the Baltimore Ravens defeated the New England Patriots in the 2013 AFC Championship Game. The kick earned Brady a $10,000 fine.

The Texans have plenty of options if the 34-year-old Reed (35 in September) is unable to play early in the season. Strong safety Danieal Manning was a plus in coverage last season and second-round draft pick D.J. Swearinger out of South Carolina may be able to play a significant role from the season's outset. Swearinger earned a reputation as an aggressive run and pass defender while he was with the Gamecocks.

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