Bernard Pierce is Out for Baltimore Ravens

Sep 11, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Bernard Pierce (30) runs with the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Bernard Pierce, coming off a 96-yard rushing performance in Week 2, will not play for the Baltimore Ravens in their Week 3 matchup with the Cleveland Browns according to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun. He has been dealing with a thigh injury.

Justin Forsett will presumably be the lead back, with Lorenzo Taliaferro and the new addition to the active roster Fitzgerald Toussaint likely to see reps as well.

Though Pierce has yet to establish himself as a top-tier back, his power and speed put pressure on a defense. He did an excellent job wearing the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense out in Week 2, as the fatigued Steelers would eventually surrender numerous big runs late in the game.

Forsett has already proven capable of carrying the load after two excellent games in a row. Forsett has rushed for 70 yards and 56 yards in the Ravens’ first two games, respectively, and he has produced nine receptions as well. His excellent vision and decisive running style make him an ideal fit for the Ravens’ zone blocking scheme.

Forsett should make a quality fantasy starter today if you have him on your roster.

Taliaferro might step in as the goal-line back. He is a powerful downhill runner, but lack burst and experience in the zone blocking scheme.

Toussaint had a great preseason game against the New Orleans Saints, and may sub in at times in a similar role to what Forsett filled in the first two weeks, as a change-of-pace back and a receiving threat out of the backfield.

Losing Pierce hurts, but the Ravens have enough options that it shouldn’t be too big of a loss.