Wide receiver David Reed has been suspended without pay for the first game of the regular season versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. It is a result of Reed violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
Reed’s suspension begins Saturday and lasts until Sept. 12. The second-year wide receiver and kick returner will also be fined one additional game check.
“We were aware that this would happen,” the Ravens said in a statement.
The suspension stems from an incident last December.
According to reports, police entered Reed’s residence and found a small amount of marijuana. In mid-February, Reed and his attorney resolved the charges at the Baltimore County District Court without a fine or jail time and the case is now closed.
Reed’s absence against the Steelers could open the door for rookies Torrey Smith or Tandon Doss to step into the No. 3 wideout spot versus Pittsburgh. Reed had notched five receptions for 84 yards in three games this preseason.
It also means the Ravens will need a different kickoff returner. Reed shared those duties in the preseason after leading the NFL with a 29.3-yard average last year in split time.
