Don't read too far into it, but it wasn't a great first day of mandatory minicamp, as ESPN's Jamison Hensley reports.

Ed Reed was an unexcused no-show, and according to Lewis it's due to a family issue. While this may be something totally understandable, it's also not good not to have Reed there. Do I think this will be a big deal? No. Do I think this has to do with his contract? Again, no. But we'd like to have him there.

What bothers me more is McKinnie not practicing for "conditioning reasons." I guess this shouldn't come as a huge surprise, but it is disappointing.

And last but not least, Hensley reports that Birk didn't practice because he was recovering from surgery for varicose veins in his leg. I'm not a doctor, but I don't like the sound of a Center having varicose veins. I'm not sure if that's the kind of thing you can really cure once and for all either. Hopefully this keeps it at bay for the 2012 season. But I have to admit I wouldn't be shocked to see Birk looking more hobbled by the end of this year than he did at the end of the last one. Let's hope Gino progresses quickly.