The Ravens announced that they have released running back Bernard Pierce, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). Pierce was charged with a DUI on Wednesday morning.
Pierce was already in an iffy spot with the team after coming off of a disappointing 2014 season. The Ravens have re-signed Justin Forsett with Lorenzo Taliaferro available to back him up. The Ravens’ recent pattern in dealing with arrested players has been to cut ties, so it’s not a big surprise to see Pierce let go.
As Clifton Brown of CSNBaltimore.com noted, former Ravens defensive tackle Terrence Cody was cut after being charged with animal cruelty last month. Cornerback Victor Hampton was also cut earlier this month after being arrested for driving while impaired. Baltimore also acted swiftly when it came to Hampton as he was cut less than 24 hours after the incident.
Last season, Pierce appeared in 13 regular season games for Baltimore. He rushed for a career-low 366 yards off of 93 attempts with two touchdowns. Even with the Ravens’ backfield situation in flux last season, Pierce was unable to become a major part of the rushing attack. Of course, the emergence of Forsett also suppressed his role.