BALTIMORE -- Ravens running back Bernard Pierce left the field in the first quarter after taking a hit on the opening drive and did not return in Saturday's preseason 23-17 win over the Washington Redskins.

Bernard Pierce is going through the league's concussion protocol. He is expected to be the Ravens' starting running back for the first two weeks of the season. AP Photo/Nick Wass

The Ravens announced that they were following the concussion protocol with Pierce, who is expected to replace Ray Rice as the starting running back for the first two weeks of the regular season.

"We'll have to see," coach John Harbaugh said after the game. "I'm not sure where he's at right now. We'll just have to see how it goes."

Pierce was hit behind the line by unblocked linebacker Keenan Robinson on a fourth-and-1. He walked slowly off the field and was taken to the locker room.

Rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro and Justin Forsett split carries at running back for the rest of the first half.

Rice suited up for the game but did not play. He has been suspended two games by the NFL for his off-the-field incident.

Pierce has run for 89 yards on 21 carries this preseason.