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Twelve months ago, nobody would have cared if Justin Forsett was injured. Forsett had been in the NFL for a very long time and was always a serviceable player, particularly in the passing game, but he had never made any real impact as a fantasy option. In 2014, that all changed obviously. Largely a product of his situation behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL in a system that helped him flourish, Forsett gained 1,266 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Although there are reasons to be skeptical about him as a one-year wonder, if the Ravens can recreate what they did for him last season then his consistency and discipline should allow him to repeat his performances. The question is, if Forsett goes down, can another Ravens back assume his role easily?
BUY
RB Lorenzo Taliaferro - A fourth-round draft pick in the 2014 draft, Lorenzo Taliaferro enjoyed an impressive but muted rookie season in the NFL. The 23-year-old carried the ball just 68 times, but averaged 4.3 yards per carry for 292 yards while also notching four touchdowns. Taliaferro spent the offseason cutting weight and is receiving praise for his explosiveness during the early stages of training camp. He should be more prominently featured in the running game this year even if Forsett stays healthy. Forsett is likely still a better back at this stage of his career, but the difference won't be so great that the Ravens don't consider more of a committee approach.
HOLD
QB Joe Flacco - Because of the offensive line in Baltimore and the general value of the running back position, Flacco's numbers shouldn't be altered much by any injury to Forsett.
WR Steve Smith - Even though the offense shouldn't drop off much without Forsett, the potential for a decline is still there and Marc Trestman's preference for passing the ball lingers as an ever-present threat. If Forsett goes down, Trestman could use it as an excuse to push the offense further towards the passing game. This should give Steve Smith more opportunities to expand his role as a possession receiver. Smith had 79 receptions last year when the Ravens were running the ball as well as anyone and Flacco still had Torrey Smith on the roster. Now surrounded by inexperienced receiving options, Smith should be an even greater focus of the passing game.
WR Breshad Perriman - Rookie receivers are unreliable and Perriman is more of an unknown than most. He is raw and has questionable consistency catching the ball. He won't be worth actively pursuing if the Ravens become a more pass-heavy outfit. More passing plays will give Perriman more opportunities to create plays downfield, but those additional plays should be more valuable to Smith because of his consistency and versatility as a receiver.
RB Javorious Allen -Allen will likely have a role as a receiving back for the Ravens during the season even when Forsett is healthy, but he's unlikely to be a primary ball carrier with or without the veteran back. Entering training camp on the NFI list doesn't help his case.
SELL
None
ADD
RB Fitzgerald Toussaint - Toussaint would be the Ravens backup running back if Forsett was lost for the long term. At least, he would be in the current construction of the roster. The Ravens don't have a crowded depth chart at running back and should be considered a prime candidate to add a veteran before the season begins. They would almost certainly bring someone in if any of their top three options are injured. If Forsett is injured, a veteran option such as Chris Johnson, BenJarvus Green-Ellis or any other back of that caliber should immediately slot in ahead of Toussaint but behind Taliaferro.
DROP
None