Baltimore Ravens running back Bernard Pierce cleared the NFL's post-concussion protocols and has been practicing with the team all week, according to Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun. Pierce sustained a concussion in the preseason, but is expected to be 100 percent for Baltimore's season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
Bernard Pierce completes post-concussion protocol; should start for fantasy owners
Baltimore Ravens running back Bernard Pierce is through the NFL’s post-concussion protocols and should start on Sunday. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Pierce is the feature back in Baltimore thanks to a two-game suspension for Ray Rice. Actually, there’s a chance Pierce would have been the starter anyway given Rice’s struggles last season and the fact that Pierce looked solid throughout training camp and the preseason.
Fantasy Impact: We didn’t recommend fantasy owners take Pierce as their primary runner or anything along those lines, but he’ll be the starter in an offense that doesn’t want everything riding on quarterback Joe Flacco. His 2.9 yards per-carry average from last season is particularly worrisome, but his outlook is a bit more positive with this concussion out of the way. He’s a solid RB2 for those who haven’t drafted yet, and if he’s already on your team, then you shouldn’t worry about starting him on Sunday against the Bengals.
