*FAN SUBMISSION by Darren Tyler of San Jose, CA. Follow him on Twitter @rotobacon.*
Courtesy: CBS Sports
The NFLPA appeal for Ray Rice has been set for Nov 5-6, which could lead to his reinstatement as early as Mid-November. Having been released by the Ravens after the fall-out of the now infamous elevator video, Rice could potentially return to the field only if he were to be signed by another NFL team in need. But who would take him?
There are certainly a few teams who have either struggled with a consistent run game this year, or recently lost starters to injury – two scenarios which would normally create ripe opportunity for a Superbowl caliber running back. However, are any of these teams willing to take on the baggage which will inevitably come (at least in the short term) with signing such a high-profile Pariah? The Ravens wanted to separate themselves so far from what his actions represented, that they offered fans the chance to exchange their Ray Rice jerseys. The response was even stronger than anticipated – so strong in fact, they actually ran out of replacement jerseys and had to begin providing vouchers to more than 2000 fans.
So what team in their right mind would be willing to take on this PR nightmare?
There’s plenty of speculation that the Patriots and Colts could be potential suitors, even though Robert Kraft of the Pats already stated long ago that NE would never sign him – NE is still tilting in the wake of Aaron Hernandez, and would be hard-pressed to take on that sort of burden even with the loss of Stevan Ridley.
The Colts have seen Trent Richardson deal with a hamstring issue, though for how long still remains to be seen following a scheduled MRI. Even so, Ahmad Bradshaw has been a revelation this year, and Trent Richardson hasn’t exactly been an offensive dynamo which will be difficult to replace in the short term.
Buffalo lost both CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson, which would make them a prime target (though Jackson appears to be slated for return in about a month). However, with both Anthony Dixon and Bryce Brown waiting in the wings, they’re nowhere close to desperate enough for such a move. This is solidified by the fact that they just brought in Phillip Tanner to play backup for Dixon and Brown. Tanner totaled 149 yards on 56 carries in just under 40 games for Dallas – which should highlight just how unconcerned they really are about their situation.
Jacksonville has struggled mightily with the run game this year. However, much of that can be placed on the lack of an effective offensive line – something which the addition of Rice alone will not remedy. On top of that, Denard Robinson had a very nice showings the past two weeks albeit against a somewhat lackluster run defenses in Cleveland and Miami. Logic would dictate that they would at least continue with the hot hand in Robinson, with Storm Johnson in a supporting role. And if Toby Gerhart can comeback healthy any time soon, they could have a decent 1-2 punch to at least get them through the season… it certainly doesn’t look like they’ll be fighting to retain a playoff spot in later weeks.
One potentially likely candidate would be the Carolina Panthers, who have struggled with more than their fair share of injuries, losing 3 Backs in 2 weeks earlier in the season. Despite a handful of acquisitions to try and plug the hole, no one they’ve asked to carry the rock has yet effectively stepped up to the task. With some cap-space to spare, Carolina would be a prime candidate for taking on Rice… if it wasn’t for Greg Hardy. Their Pro-Bowl Defensive End has also been suspended this season for Domestic Violence and assault against a female. Simply put, there is no way Carolina could handle the media fall out this would cause.
As it stands right now, there doesn’t seem to be a good fit for Rice anywhere in the league. The situation is just too volatile, the wound too fresh, and the need not great enough for any club to agree to tackle what would come their way. Even if Ray Rice wins his appeal and is reinstated to the league, I doubt he finds his way on to a roster before the season is over.
