Jags claim Bernard Pierce off waivers

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Jaguars claimed running back Bernard Pierce off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens, who cut the fourth-year player on Wednesday following his DUI arrest.

Pierce has rushed for 1,334 yards and five touchdowns in his four-year career with the Ravens, including 532 yards as a rookie in 2012 to help the Ravens win the Super Bowl. He was supposed to split time with Justin Forsett and rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro in 2014 after Ray Rice was suspended. However, he was benched in the season opener for fumbling and eventually lost the job to Forsett, who ran for 1,266 yards and eight touchdowns.

The 27-year-old Pierce's biggest issue right now is his DUI arrest. According to the Baltimore Sun, he was stopped by police for speeding 55 mph in a 30 mph zone near Interstate 695 in Baltimore County. Citing Baltimore County police documents, the Sun reported that the officer smelled alcohol and Pierce failed a series of sobriety tests and was arrested. The documents also said Pierce later passed out on a metal bench and a police officer had to shake him to wake him up to answer questions.

If convicted on the DUI charge, Pierce faces a two-game suspension under the league's drug policy approved last year.

The Jaguars did not release a statement regarding Pierce other than announcing that they had claimed him off waivers. General manager David Caldwell was unable to be reached for comment.