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Buck Allen: What Happened To Him?

By Jake McDonnell

Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Javorius Allen (37) runs with the ball after a catch in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Javorius Allen (37) runs with the ball after a catch in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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After showing flashes in his rookie season, running back Javorius “Buck” Allen dropped of the face of the Earth in 2016.

A 2015 fourth round pick out of the University of Southern California, Buck Allen started his career as a backup to then-Ravens starter Justin Forsett. After Forsett suffered a broken arm late in the season, Allen was given a chance to show what he could do. He never had a 100+ yard game on the ground, but he showed some flashes. In a game against the Miami Dolphins, Allen put up 170 combined yards on offense. Just three weeks later against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he had 112 combined yards.

However, Allen did have some struggles. After fumbling the ball in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs, head coach John Harbaugh benched him. He responded the next week against the Steelers, but his rookie season did include some growing pains. But, he proved that he had play-making capability, especially in the receiving game. Given Ray Rice and Forsett’s success as receiving threats, there was hope that Allen could thrive in that role.

To put it nicely, 2016 was a huge disappointment for Allen.

Coming into the 2016 season, the Ravens were loaded at running back. In the offseason they had signed free agent and Maryland native Terrance West. Baltimore also drafted Kenneth Dixon in the fourth round out of Louisiana Tech. Allen returned, along with Forsett, giving the Ravens four solid options at running back.

As it played out, Forsett and West started 2016 as Baltimore’s top running backs while Dixon dealt with knee injuries and did not make his NFL debut until week 5. Forsett was gone by October after playing in just three games. Allen, however, was inactive for Baltimore’s first three games and ended up playing in just eight games throughout the season. He was a healthy scratch on several occasions, leading many Ravens fans wondering what happened.

Allen finished 2016 with just 34 rushing yards on nine carries. His most memorable play last season was blocking a punt against the Steelers that rookie receiver Chris Moore recovered and ran in for a touchdown. Aside from that, Allen was all but forgotten in 2016.

So, what happened? Is Allen in hot water with the coaching staff? Did he suffer an injury that the Ravens never informed the media of? Is he not as talented as we thought?

Allen’s Future

The 2016 offseason is going to be big for Buck Allen. West will most likely be back, as he is a restricted free agent. Dixon showed a lot of promise last season and will be given opportunities. The Ravens have been rumored to be in line for a game-changing running back, most likely coming in the draft. After his disappointing sophomore season in the NFL, Allen is far from a lock to make the Ravens’ roster.

Next: NFL Mock Draft: Complete Analysis Of First Two Rounds

The Ravens have had a mediocre running game for the past two seasons now. A lot of that is a result of the play-calling, but the Ravens do have running backs capable of producing when given an opportunity. A big name may be added to that mix this offseason, so Allen has some crucial months ahead of him if he will figure into the Ravens’ plans for the 2017 season.

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