Ravens RB Ray Rice was a top fantasy football draft pick this year despite his suspension for punching his wife in the face and now that video has surfaced, names like Bernard Pierce and Justin Forsett are options for owners to pick up from the free agent waiver wire, as Rice could be suspended or deactivated for more games by the Ravens after Week 2, which is when he is allowed to return following the Baltimore game Thursday night and UPDATE Ray Rice has been released and suspended indefinitely.
Rice came into the season with the two game suspension and that left him to dangle for some fantasy owners and now with this new video out, there is a chance he could be out of action for an extended period time. Many think the NFL may try and keep pushing it under the rug, but there is chance something could happen and after the way Forsett played on Sunday, he could be the top pick up over Pierce, who came into the season as a potential major sleeper. Based on the reaction right now around the league, if Rice is not suspended for more games, he likely will be deactivated for at least another.
Pierce is still a strong addition in most leagues, but for deeper league players, Justin Forsett is the name to take a look at, as he had a very good game on Sunday. Forsett ended up with 16 touches, while Pierce had an awful game, losing a fumble and getting just six carries for 14 yards in the game. That should be the end of things for Pierce, especially if Rice loses more active time, but that should give owners an idea of what the Ravens will do moving forward. Forsett is a journeyman, but if he can keep this up he may end up putting up some starting numbers.
Pierce came into the season after rushing for 436 yards last season while Rice was out and he also added 20 catches for 104 yards receiving. Forsett now has the chance to supplant Pierce in the starting lineup and with the Ravens playing on Thursday, it makes things very interesting. The Ravens now can't hide from the spotlight and on top of that, Rice can apply for reinstatement on Friday and that should be interesting and controversial all in itself.
Forsett ended up with 11 touches on the group for 70 yards and a touchdown and he also had five catches for 14 yards. Forsett has bounced around the league and his best season saw him go for 619 yards rushing with Seattle and now he could end up as the feature back in Baltimore. Rice is a horrible person and deserves more than what he got and clearly he is disingenuous because he tried to lead everyone to believe that his wife struck him, which the video showed was false and ridiculous, she barely touched him and this man is a football player.
Rice now will be subject of many headlines and rumors and while this is a terrible situation, fantasy owners have some options out there. Obviously this situation is about more than football, but the Ravens will be playing, with or without Rice.