Baltimore Ravens running back Bernard Pierce is listed as probable for the team's Week 1 showdown versus the Cincinnati Bengals.
Bernard Pierce injury update: Ravens RB presents flex appeal for fantasy owners
Despite suffering a concussion in the preseason, the Baltimore Ravens will deploy Bernard Pierce versus the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Pierce sustained a concussion in the team's third preseason game versus Washington, but enough time has passed for him to heal. Pierce cleared every test and practiced fully this week, giving the Ravens a backfield option while incumbent starter Ray Rice serves his two-game suspension.
Fantasy Spin: It’s hardly a favorable matchup for Pierce, who draws one of the league’s fiercest front sevens out of the gate. However, what he does not get in efficiency, he could get in volume as the back that gets early-down and goal-line work. That alone puts him in the RB2/flex conversation, with a modest upside present.
The bigger storyline is that if Pierce performs well, the Ravens could have a difficult decision to make once Rice’s suspension is over. Should Pierce prove himself, the job could be his for the taking. Fantasy owners would be wise to have Pierce on their rosters.
