Ray Rice is doing everything he can to try and get back into the NFL. The former Baltimore Ravens running back was officially reinstated back in the league after his arrest on domestic violence and has been waiting by his phone hoping a team calls with interest. Rice is currently listed as the best available free agent available for the taking, but has garnered very little interest. However, with injuries beginning to rack up in the league, could Rice be back on the field sooner rather than later?
--UPDATE to Story: Pierre Thomas is signing with the Texans. UPDATE II: The Texans and Pierre Thomas could not agree on a deal. There is a chance a contract could happen later.
In an interview with ESPN's Jemele Hill, Rice said he is a changed man and a "rehabilitated man" hoping a team is ready to take a chance on him. Ed Werder originally reported that Rice was personally calling teams to say he was ready to play while John Clayton of ESPN reported there were logically about five or six landing spots for Rice based on team needs.
"I understand why maybe a few teams or teams shy away from me," Rice said, via ESPN.com. "I understand that because it's a privilege. It truly is a privilege to play in the NFL. It's a privilege to play professional sports. I always preach one or two bad decisions, and your dream could become a nightmare. Well, I had to eat my own words. I truly lived a nightmare. There is no set in stone whether you're going to get a second chance or not. I have to set my hope and faith and everything else that I'm doing in my life, I'm just really hopeful for a second chance."
Injuries will push interest towards Rice. Steven Jackson, Chris Johnson and Pierre Thomas represent the veterans at the position still available and Rice is an easy upgrade from those options. The Houston Texans have emerged as a potential landing spot. According to the Houston Chronicle, Arian Foster suffered a groin injury and could have surgery which would have him miss a majority of the regular season. The Texans' offense is already in flux with a quarterback battle with Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett. With no real long-term running back option on the roster outside of Foster, Rice would be the perfect replacement for the injured running back.
Clayton listed the Dallas Cowboys as a potential option and that still remains true despite the team's denial in a need for another player. The Cowboys have Darren McFadden who may or may not have a hamstring injury and Joseph Randle headlining the rotation after DeMarco Murray left. With the Cowboys offensive line, those two players might be enough to get by. However, adding Rice would give the team a home-run threat.
Adding Rice is no easy decision. The media will pounce all over the team that makes the move. The NFL has certainly proven to be a breeding ground for second chances. Adrian Peterson got his this season. Rice is hoping he can be the next.
