Ray Rice a total game-time decision

Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) rushes the ball as Cleveland Browns linebacker Barkevious Mingo (51) prepares to tackle during the first half at M

Baltimore Ravens star running back Ray Rice is a complete toss-up for tomorrow’s game against the Buffalo Bills, and he would have a very favorable matchup against a porous Bills run defense if he is able to play. Rice has been noncommittal on his chances of playing tomorrow, and Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has been equally opaque with his word choice regarding Rice’s status.

From the Baltimore Sun’s Aaron Wilson, “We stand by the fact that we’re hoping he’ll get there, he’s got a better chance than he had last week. We’ll know on Sunday. We’ve got our fingers crossed.”

The Ravens are optimistic that Ray Rice will be able to play tomorrow after practicing yesterday, and the hip flexor injury that Rice is suffering from usually takes a player out for just one or two weeks. Rice already missed last week’s big win over the Houston Texans, so the fact that he is a toss-up for tomorrow’s contest comes as no surprise. The Ravens have been optimistic throughout on Rice’s chances of playing, but the Ravens have a terrific No. 2 back in Bernard Pierce who is completely capable of taking on the load when Rice is out with an injury.

Ray Rice should be regarded as a full-blown game-time decision at this point, because there is nothing that significantly points to either side of the play/out coin. Rice believes that he will play if there are no setbacks, but he also stated that it is the coaches’ decision to make. He seems healthy enough to play, but he’s clearly not 100% and Pierce’s effectiveness definitely adds another layer to it; the Ravens are less inclined to bring back Rice against a Bills run D that will have plenty of problems with Pierce anyway.

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