There doesn’t figure to be a whole lot of drama for the Ravens running backs.

Ray Rice’s expected suspension probably will lead to the Ravens keeping an extra running back early in the season. That would benefit Justin Forsett, who has looked elusive and quick in offseason practices and could have a role in the offense early.

Lorenzo Taliaferro, a rookie fourth-round pick, also could work his way into the rotation. At 230 pounds, Taliaferro is a good candidate for short-yardage duties, a major issue with the Ravens last year. Kyle Juszczyk wasn’t used on offense last season, but that figures to change with new coordinator Gary Kubiak calling the plays.

It looks like Bernard Pierce should be given every chance to fill in while Rice serves his suspension, which has yet to be determined. It sounds like Taliaferro could steal some short TDs, however. Once the suspension is announced, it will give the Ravens a better plan for reps at camp, and should also give a better clue for fantasy owners.

n new Offensive Coordinator Gary Kubiak’s offense, FB Kyle Juszczyk will be a Swiss Army knife. He’ll line up all over the field from out wide, to on the end of the line and in the backfield. He’ll catch passes and lead block too.

After catching zero passes as a rookie last season, Juszczyk could have a big season in 2014.

“Coach Kubiak has said in our meetings that he could see me catching 40 or 50 balls this year, which would be a great start,” Juszczyk said. “I wouldn’t mind that one bit.”

The Ravens are dealing with this camp nightmare right now after the team announced Monday that tight end Ed Dickson has a slight tear in his hamstring. This happened eight days after starting tight end Dennis Pitta suffered a season-ending dislocated hip.

Coach John Harbaugh classified this as a minor injury, and the Ravens need him to be right. The defending Super Bowl champions are 31 days removed from opening the season at the Denver Broncos on Sept. 5.

“We’re going to hold him back for a week or so, and we’ll see where we’re at,” Harbaugh told reporters Monday. “We’ll try to get him healthy. It’s going to be a matter of time, but it’s not going to be a long time.”

Many envisioned the Ravens using a two-tight end attack with Pitta and Dickson, but with Pitta done for the year and now Dickson banged up, the Ravens are down to just Visanthe Shiancoe. As the story points out, it's been 20 months since Shiancoe caught a pass in a regular-season game. It's been four years since he had over 50 receptions in a season. With the signing of Vonta Leach, rookie FB Kyle Juszczyk will focus on improving as a receiver as well.