Normally, undergoing rotator cuff after the end of the season would put you in the running for the title of worst offseason among your position group.
For the Ravens, though, Ray Rice’s indictment on an aggravated assault charge in New Jersey takes those honors while Bernard Pierce’s rehab has been pushed into the background. The Ravens have shown support for Rice, but there’s a risk of league discipline that could remove Rice from the lineup next season so Pierce’s return to full health is definitely something that Baltimore would like to see sooner rather than later.
Pierce said Saturday that he will be ready to hit the field “definitely by training camp” after January surgery on his right shoulder. He said he got a bit heavy after the operation, but has dropped most of the extra weight and making his way back to full speed.
“I think I’m right on schedule, honestly,” Pierce said, via Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. “I’m getting better, man. I’m doing rehab every day. I’m just grinding it out.”
Pierce was mostly ground down in 2013, averaging 2.9 yards per rush as the Ravens’ running game fell flat across the board. Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun reported last week that the Ravens were planning to add another back even before Rice’s legal woes, so there may be a variety of the ways for the Ravens to go with or without Rice this fall.