Buck Allen making run to be Ravens' back of future

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens rookie running back Javorius "Buck" Allen was expected to have a little more time to absorb the nuances of playing in the National Football League. Instead, he has been thrust into the starting role with the season-ending injury to veteran starter Justin Forsett (broken arm).

In his first career start, Allen had 55 yards on 12 carries. He also caught his first career touchdown reception. Allen, a fourth-round pick out of Southern California, could challenge Forsett for the full-time starting spot next season. For now, he is just focused on being a dominant back this season.

"You never know when you're time is going to come," Allen said. "It's a blessing to go out and play with this group of guys."

With Allen as the starter, Baltimore native Terrance West has taken over the backup role. He also had a solid game against his former team, West finished with 37 yards on seven carries.

West was drafted by Cleveland in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft. After frustrating the coaching staff with his inconsistent practice habits, West was traded to the Tennessee Titans at the end of this year's training camp for a seventh-round pick. He was later waived by the Titans, who simply had too many players at that position. Now, West is hoping he found a home with the Ravens.

"It's a dream come true," West said. "I tried to keep my composure and play for my team. I'm a Raven now, so I didn't want to make it about me. I went out there and just played hard."

The Dolphins are ranked last in the NFL against the run, so look for both Allen and West to get plenty of opportunities.

-- When Steve Smith went down with a season-ending torn Achilles, first-round draft pick Breshad Perriman still could not play with a knee injury and the Ravens simply did not have anyone else on the roster to carry the load. Kamar Aiken became the Ravens' No. 1 receiver almost by default.

After some early-season struggles and a few drops, Aiken has come on strong. Against the Browns, Aiken became a favorite target for quarterback Matt Schaub and finished with six catches for 80 yards with a touchdown. On the season, Aiken has 43 receptions for 536 yards and four touchdowns.

Even with a healthy Perriman and if Smith decides to play one more season, Aiken will likely play a big role in Baltimore's offense moving forward.

MEDICAL WATCH: TE Maxx Williams suffered a potential concussion against the Browns and could be limited in practice this week.

NOTES: Defensive end Brent Urban could earn more minutes this week against the Dolphins. The second-year player from Virginia came up huge in his NFL debut Monday night against Cleveland. In the closing seconds, he blocked a 51-yard field-goal attempt by Travis Coons and safety Will Hill picked up the loose ball and ran 64 yards for the 33-27 victory as time expired. "It's surreal," Urban said. "After being out so long, it's crazy. I'm almost speechless. It's just a wonderful feeling." Safety Will Allen was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for returning the blocked kick 64 yards for the game-winning touchdown.

--Quarterback Ryan Mallett, who was released by the Houston Texans in October, reportedly had a workout for the Ravens on Wednesday. With starter Joe Flacco out for the season with a knee injury, the Ravens currently have two quarterbacks on the roster with Matt Schaub and Jimmy Clausen. Mallett threw for 770 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions last season.