The Baltimore Ravens are awaiting the fate of running back Ray Rice after he was charged with a single count of aggravated assault following an incident with his wife. He has been offered a plea deal in order to remain out of prison, but there is still a chance he could face punishment for the NFL. While quarterback Joe Flacco does not seem to believe a suspension is looming, will the Ravens be forced to make a deal if Rice is lost for some time?
According to Jordan Ranaan of NJ.com, Flacco is convinced that Rice will be active for the entire season.
"I don't foresee anything crazy happening with that," Flacco said. "I'm expecting to have him for the entire season."
Flacco is optimistic that the team's leading rusher will return not only free of any punishment after he knocked out his then fiancé in an elevator, but he also predicts the rusher will be fully healthy, something Rice struggled with last season. According to ProFootballTalk.com, if Rice pleads guilty or no contest to the charges brought on him, he could still face suspension as his case would be reviewed under the personal conduct policy. The NFL and Roger Godell will be pushed into a corner considering the number of suspensions they hand out for marijuana use. Domestic violence should not be treated any different.
With Rice gone, the Ravens offense would take a big hit. Bernard Pierce is back, but he is not ready to be a starter for the team. They drafted Lorenzo Taliaferro in the fourth round of the draft, but he is downfield runner with little to no lateral movement or hands to catch. Could Baltimore be forced to grab someone via trade or free agency with Rice's court date approaching next month?
The Ravens could be poised to strike a deal for either LaMichael James in San Francisco or Mark Ingram with the Saints. The later is big-time long shot considering New Orleans is expecting Ingram to be their starter despite not picking up his fifth-year option. However, acquiring James could be a big upgrade for the Ravens whether Rice is suspended or not. The young running back has very fresh legs despite being in the league two years and he is a dynamic player that would add another level to the offense. Rice's body has taken a beating over recent season and it is starting to show. Getting James could be big and relatively cheap for Baltimore.
There are a few free agents still around that Baltimore could look and sign for the year. Felix Jones is still sitting around and he could be a quality addition. Willis McGahee is still unsigned, but the veteran might not be healthy enough to play.