Baltimore Ravens sign Bernard Scott

Cincinnati Bengals running back Bernard Scott (28) scores during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Bengals 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens have decided to sign veteran backup running back Bernard Scott in order to fill the final vacancy on their 53-man roster that was created when the Ravens shipped left tackle Bryant McKinnie to the Miami Dolphins. Scott was waived from the rival Cincinnati Bengals last month off of their PUP list, but he seems to be fully recovered from his ACL tear, otherwise the Ravens would not have signed him.

It looks like the Ravens decided to sign Scott now, after working him out earlier this month, because they believe he is either fully healthy or at least very close to being in full health. His position on the roster is volatile as a backup RB, but it will be interesting to see if the 29-year-old can work himself into the rotation and get some snaps. Scott has some talent, and he received another workout from a team this month, as the Oakland Raiders worked him out very early on in October.

At this point in time, the best Scott can hope for is to steal some third-down carries, as he joins a crowded Ravens backfield with Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce. Rice seems to be doing much better after being plagued by a hip injury, but both he and Pierce have been disappointments this season, mostly thanks to some incredibly disappointing run blocking up front.

With Pierce nursing an injury, adding a fast, versatile back in Bernard Scott makes plenty of sense, and I’m sure John Harbaugh is happy with the “Bernard symmetry” as well.

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