Running back Bernard Pierce, expected to start while Ray Rice is suspended, has been the Ravens' most impressive back in camp so far, reports ESPN.com. Pierce's weight ballooned to 248 pounds following offseason shoulder surgery, but he's down to 222 pounds now.
"The weight loss is most evident in Pierce's elusiveness in between the tackles," the report said. "He can make better lateral cuts because he doesn't feel the weight as much on his knees."
Coach John Harbaugh said Pierce has "seized the opportunity."
Pierce averaged 4.9 yards per carry as a rookie in 2012, just 2.9 yards per carry last season. "It definitely is motivating and also was humbling coming from the year before," Pierce said. "I think everybody's intention this year is to climb back up the chart and show everybody that we can get this run game started and we're still the Ravens from 2012."