Bernard Pierce cleared to practice

Ravens running back Bernard Pierce has finally been cleared to begin practicing without restrictions. The third year rusher is looking to rebound after a rough 2013 season that saw his attempts go up but his average go way down to a low of 2.9 ypc while battling a shoulder injury that ultimately required offseason surgery.

With Ray Rice expected to be suspended any day now, Pierce finds himself in a unique position to take over the starting rushing job and possibly hold onto it once Rice returns to action. Under new offensive coordinator, Gary Kubiak, Pierce could have a career season and one that puts him squarely at the forefront of the league. Kubiak has a history of turning running backs into studs and Pierce fits the mold that you have seen from Kubiak in the past. However, in order to do that, Pierce will need to beat out veteran Justin Forsett and rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro in training camp for the bulk of the carries.