Ravens-Bengals inactives: Bernard Pierce a healthy scratch

Over the past three weeks, running back Bernard Pierce has averaged less than three yards per carry. With his recent struggles, the Ravens have decided he wasn't among the 53 best players for Sunday's game against the Bengals.

Pierce is inactive for Sunday's game, which is quite the surprise considering he's been the No. 2 back in recent weeks. This means Lorenzo Taliaferro will step in as the big back in short-yardage situations, and to spell Justin Forsett at various times during the game. (Fantasy forecast: Taliaferro could be a sneaky play all of a sudden.)

As expected, left tackle Eugene Monroe and left guard Kelechi Osemele are active.

Here's the list of inactive players for Sunday's game.

RAVENS INACTIVES: CB Chyke Brown, RB Bernard Pierce, LB Arthur Brown, OL Gino Gradkowski, OL Jah Reid, TE Owen Daniels, DE Chris Canty

BENGALS INACTIVES: WR A.J. Green, RB Rex Burkhead, CB Chris Lewis-Harris, LB Rey Maualuga, OT Tanner Hawkinson, DE Will Clarke, DT Brandon Thompson