Bernard Pierce Reportedly Suspended: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

Free-agent running back Bernard Pierce reportedly has been suspended for the first two games of next season. 

ESPN's Field Yates and Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reported Bernard's suspension, though neither report cited a reason for the punishment. 

The 24-year-old Pierce has played four seasons in the NFL. He was originally a third-round draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2012, playing a key role during the team's Super Bowl run in his rookie season with a 100-yard game against Indianapolis in the Wild Card Round. 

Pierce looked like a future star after averaging 4.9 yards on 108 attempts in his debut season backing up Ray Rice. His career has been a disappointment since that breakout campaign, however.  

Since 2013, Pierce has run for a total of 813 yards on 251 carries (3.2 yards per carry). He spent last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars after they claimed him off waivers, getting just six carries in seven games. 

As a free agent, Pierce's two-game suspension will only take effect if/when he signs with a team. There has not been any reported interest from clubs in signing him so far, but when training camps open in July and injuries happen, things can change. 

However, Pierce's suspension could prompt teams to look in a different direction in order to find depth at running back.