Ravens safety Ed Reed let the cat out of the bag about a shoulder injury -- a "torn labrum," he called it -- then tried to downplay the ailment Thursday.

He admitted he has been playing injured since Week 3, in a 31-30 win vs. the New England Patriots. The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds joints.

"I ain't no pitcher. I don't play baseball. So long as I'm not throwing, that's something we knew about. It's nothing to worry about," said Reed, who first made the claim on a Baltimore radio station Wednesday. "Last few weeks I've been dealing with it. … I'll be alright. In the New England game I was able to tackle."

The Ravens are especially cautious about details on injuries. Reed, 34, hasn't been listed on the injury report for a shoulder injury at any point this season. He did have a mild hamstring strain a few weeks ago.

The defense is banged up, and getting gashed for yards on the ground. The Ravens have given up more than 200 rushing yards in each of the last two games. Linebacker Ray Lewis (torn triceps) and cornerback Lardarius Webb (ACL tear) already are out for the season.

Tackles Haloti Ngata (knee) and Ma'ake Kemoeatu (knee) have injuries from last week's 31-29 win vs. the Dallas Cowboys. Cornerback Jimmy Smith (groin) was held out of practice Wednesday but suited up Thursday.

Webb is the Raven's best cornerback. Reed's injury could prove significant in the long run, but in his 11th season he's not changing up in Lewis' absence.

"I'm not putting anymore pressure on myself," Reed said. "We have a lot of guys in this locker room that realize everybody has to step up. We lose a guy like Ray, you lose a vocal leader but he'll be around here."

Quarterback Joe Flacco seemed allude to Reed in his comments Thursday about the circus-like atmosphere on a day when linebacker Terrell Suggs talked with media for the first time this season as he returned to practice from an Achilles tear.

"Some guys on this team like to create more drama than others, but that's just the way it is," he said.