Ravens make a surprise cut, dump running back Justin Forsett

Justin Forsett started at running back the Baltimore Ravens’ third preseason game, which usually is the dress rehearsal for the regular season.

But Forsett won’t even be on the roster for the Ravens’ regular-season opener. The team made a surprise move and cut the presumptive starter on Saturday.

Forsett was a breakout player in 2014, with 1,266 yards rushing and eight touchdowns. Last year he suffered a broken arm that ended his season, but before that he played fairly well, with 641 rushing yards in 10 games. But Forsett will turn 31 in October, which is considered older for an NFL running back.

It might not be the end of the line for Forsett in Baltimore, however. ESPN’s Jamison Hensley reported that the Ravens could re-sign Forsett in the next week.

Cutting Forsett was also surprising for the Ravens because rookie back Kenneth Dixon suffered a torn MCL in the preseason and is expected to miss the start of the regular season. Unless Forsett makes a return, the Ravens will move forward with former Cleveland Browns back Terrance West and second-year back Javorius Allen to start the season.