The Jacksonville Jaguars were awarded former Baltimore Ravens running back Bernard Pierce off waivers, the team announced Thursday. Pierce was waived by the Ravens on Wednesday following an arrest for driving under the influence.
Jaguars awarded Bernard Pierce off waivers
Pierce will join the Jaguars, but his future remains unclear after a Wednesday DUI arrest.
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Pierce was pulled over for driving 55 mph in a 30-mph zone and failed a field sobriety test early Wednesday morning. It was somewhat surprising Baltimore released him so quickly and early in the process, but with Justin Forsett breaking out last season and signing a three-year extension this offseason, Pierce didn't factor in the team's plans very much.
Obviously, Jacksonville liked what it has seen from the 24-year-old running back, enough to claim him on waivers despite not knowing what’s going to happen with his arrest and potential punishment, both legally and with the NFL. That all figures to be a long way off, regardless.
Pierce was a third-round pick by the Ravens in 2012, and posted a per-carry average of 4.9 yards in his rookie season. But his production dropped from there, and he only managed 93 carries for 366 yards and two touchdowns in 2014, a per-carry average of 3.9 yards. Forsett became the starter and though Pierce was expected to be the primary backup this season, he wasn’t in line for many more touches than he had in 2014.
Jacksonville had significant issues at the running back position last season. Denard Robinson led the way with 582 yards, while quarterback Blake Bortles came in second on the team with 419 yards.
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