If there was ever a day when the Ravens would have needed safety Ed Reed in their secondary, it would have been Monday against the high-powered passing attack of the Green Bay Packers.

But Reed ended up being a late scratch for the game after he tested hip and ankle injuries around two hours before kickoff.

Reed was listed as questionable on the injury report after only practicing in a limited capacity on Friday last week. 

“Obviously, when he said he couldn’t go, it was disappointing,” said head coach John Harbaugh after the game. “I felt like he would be able to go. That was the hope all week. He didn’t practice. It just wasn’t there for him.”

Reed warmed up, but did not have the flexibility he typically enjoys, so he sat for the first time since Nov. 25, 2005 (64 games).  Reed declined to speak with media in the locker room at Lambeau Field.

That was a big blow, as quarterback Aaron Rodgers ended up completing 26 of 40 passes for 263 yards and three touchdowns.

Reed’s replacement, Tom Zbikowski, filled in admirably and logged one of two Rodgers interceptions.

In his most-extended action since the 2008 Senior Bowl, Zbikowski played the entire game and logged four tackles along with his first-career pick when Rodgers overthrew wideout Greg Jennings in the first quarter.

Zbikowski also had a rough moment when he was out-jumped by 6-foot-5 tight end Jermichael Finley for a 2-yard touchdown reception.

“It was OK,” Zbikowski said.  “I made some good plays, but there were a couple of dumb plays, too.  I had my ups and downs, so I just have to get the downs corrected this week.”