The Facts: Pierce is expected to undergo surgery on his right shoulder to repair damage to his rotator cuff, according to a league source. Surgery hasn't been scheduled yet. If Pierce has the procedure, it would take place this month to allow him sufficient time to heal for next season.

Diehards Line: According to Sun staffer Aaron Wilson, the initial recommendation for Pierce was that he needed to have surgery, which would require four to five months of rehabilitation this offseason. If Pierce opts not to have surgery, he would still require months of rehab to strengthen the shoulder. Pierce, 23, is a 2012 third-round draft pick who rushed for 436 yards and two touchdowns in his second NFL season, averaging 2.9 yards per carry. He caught a career-high 20 passes for 104 yards. Pierce's numbers dropped this year while dealing with shoulder, hamstring, knee and toe injuries. As a rookie, Pierce rushed for 532 yards and averaged 4.9 yards per carry. As Pierce and running back Ray Rice (hip flexor, quadriceps) both dealt with injuries, the Ravens finished 30th in the NFL in rushing offense.