The Baltimore Ravens are in the midst of a late-season collapse. After turning around their early misfortunes, they put themselves in the perfect position to steal a playoff spot down the stretch. That no longer looks like a realistic possibility.
Many players have failed to hold up their end of the bargain in recent weeks. Stars like running back Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers have had costly turnovers, the offensive line and pass rush have failed to find a consistent rhythm, and it seems like the Ravens are unraveling with two games to go. Overall, the offense has continued to sputter, and the defense appears to be right back where it started.
It may not be significant progress, but one contributor could be cementing a role for himself moving forward amid the team’s collapse.
Running back Rasheen Ali has been a polarizing player due to his constant appearances on passing downs. You can argue all you want about Henry needing to be on the field more on third downs, and rightfully so. However, you cannot fault Ali for that. In fact, he is providing encouraging play in his reps.
Rasheen Ali is starting to become a consistent contributor on offense
Ever since veteran running back Justice Hill landed on injured reserve with a neck injury, Ali has become Baltimore’s third-down back. Neither Henry nor backup running back Keaton Mitchell has proven to be a reliable blocker, giving Ali a major opportunity to prove his worth. The 2024 fifth round is doing that.
Ali played his best game to date in the Ravens’ Week 15 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, scoring his first-career touchdown on a 30-yard catch and run. He is also proving to be a good blocker and receiving option, as he continues to earn Head Coach John Harbaugh’s trust each week.
Ali is not standing out to the point where he deserves to outsnap Henry and Mitchell, as he has at times in the past, but he is becoming a player who is earning a key role. He is earning the exact role that made Hill a coach’s favorite.
Hill is still inactive entering the team’s Week 17 contest against the Green Bay Packers. Harbaugh mentioned a return is possible, but Ali will remain the go-to third-down back on Saturday. If Ali can continue to prove worthy of snaps, he could end up being Hill’s replacement next year.
According to Spotrac, the Ravens would save $3.25 million if they cut Hill in the 2026 offseason. That extra cap space could be crucial to keeping stars like center Tyler Linderbaum around and improving the team for next season.
While Ali is not a flashy playmaker by any means, he is blossoming into a possible rotational piece for the future.