Rasheen Ali's Snap Count Reflects Trust in the Baltimore Ravens

In the Baltimore Ravens’ crowded running back room—led by veteran workhorse Derrick Henry—a quiet shift has unfolded over the 2024 season: second-year running back Rasheen Ali’s snap count has steadily climbed, a clear indicator of the trust the Ravens’ coaching staff has placed in him. From a rotational role as an undrafted rookie in 2023 (averaging just 12 snaps per game) to a key complementary piece this season (averaging 28 snaps per game), Ali’s increased reps aren’t just a product of depth—they’re a reward for his consistency, versatility, and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. For the Ravens, Ali’s growing role solves a critical need: providing a reliable backup to Henry while offering a different skill set that keeps defenses off balance. Rasheen Ali's Snap Count Reflects Trust in the Baltimore Ravens explores the data behind his rising snaps, the reasons the Ravens have leaned on him, and how his trustworthiness has become a valuable asset in the team’s playoff push.

Rasheen Ali's Snap Count Reflects Trust in the Baltimore Ravens first becomes evident in the dramatic increase in his playing time—a statistical trend that tells a story of earned trust. In 2023, Ali was limited to special teams and garbage-time reps, with only three games where he played more than 15 offensive snaps. This season, he’s exceeded 25 snaps in 10 of 14 games, including a career-high 42 snaps in Week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals (a game where Henry sat out the fourth quarter with a minor ankle tweak). The Ravens’ coaching staff has been intentional with the increase: Ali’s snap share has grown by 13ch month (18% in September, 31% in October, 44% in November), a gradual ramp that allowed him to adjust to more complex roles without being overwhelmed. “Snap count is a direct reflection of trust,” said Ravens running backs coach Anthony Weaver. “When we give a player more reps, it means we believe he can execute our game plan, protect Lamar [Jackson], and make plays when the pressure is on. Rasheen has earned every extra snap he’s gotten.” This trust is further reflected in Ali’s usage: he’s gone from handling just 5% of the Ravens’ carries in 2023 to 22% in 2024, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and scoring 5 touchdowns.

A key reason for Ali’s increased snap count is his versatility, which complements Derrick Henry’s style and expands the Ravens’ offensive playbook—a dynamic the coaching staff has leaned into to keep defenses guessing. Henry is a physical downhill runner who excels at wearing down defenses, but Ali brings speed, agility, and pass-catching ability that opens up new possibilities. The Ravens have designed specific packages for Ali: he’s used on jet sweeps (where his speed can exploit wide lanes), screen passes (he’s caught 18 of 20 targets for 165 yards), and third-down passing situations (he’s a reliable blocker who can also leak out for receptions). In Week 8 against the Buffalo Bills, Ali’s 32-yard screen pass set up a Henry touchdown, and his 15-yard jet sweep in the fourth quarter helped the Ravens run out the clock. “Rasheen gives us a different dimension,” said Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. “When we have both him and Derrick on the field, defenses can’t just stack the box to stop the run—they have to account for Rasheen’s speed in space. That opens up everything else.” This versatility has made Ali indispensable in two-minute drills, where his ability to catch short passes and pick up first downs has helped the Ravens score 12 points in the final two minutes of games this season.

A defining aspect of Rasheen Ali's Snap Count Reflects Trust in the Baltimore Ravens is his performance in high-leverage moments—proving the Ravens can rely on him when the game is on the line. Unlike some backup players who struggle in critical situations, Ali has stepped up when Henry has been sidelined or the Ravens need a spark. In Week 10 against the Cleveland Browns, Henry left the game in the third quarter with a cramp, and Ali stepped in to rush for 68 yards on 12 carries, including a 10-yard touchdown run that gave the Ravens a 24-17 lead. In Week 14 against the Denver Broncos, Ali caught a 22-yard pass on third-and-10 in the fourth quarter, setting up Justin Tucker’s game-winning field goal. “The best way to earn trust is to perform when it matters most,” Ali said after the Broncos win. “I know that when I get the ball in critical situations, the team is counting on me. That pressure motivates me to be at my best.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this reliability is invaluable in the AFC North, where most games are decided by one score. Ali’s ability to deliver in high-leverage moments has turned him from a depth player into a key contributor—and his snap count reflects that shift.

Another factor driving Ali’s snap count is his improvement as a blocker—a often-overlooked skill that’s critical to the Ravens’ offense and a major reason the coaching staff trusts him in passing situations. As a rookie, Ali struggled with pass protection, allowing 4 sacks and 6 pressures in limited reps. This season, he’s worked extensively with Weaver and offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris to refine his technique, and the results are striking: he’s allowed just 1 pressure in 124 pass-blocking snaps, a 90% improvement. In Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Ali’s block on linebacker Nick Bolton allowed Jackson to escape the pocket and throw a 25-yard completion to Mark Andrews. “Blocking is about effort and technique, and Rasheen has mastered both,” Weaver said. “In our offense, running backs have to protect Lamar, and if we don’t trust a player to block, we can’t put him on the field in passing situations. Rasheen’s growth as a blocker has opened up so many more opportunities for him.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this improvement has also reduced injury risk for Henry: by using Ali in third-down passing situations, the Ravens can keep Henry fresh for running plays, preserving him for the latter stages of games and the playoffs.

Wrapping up Rasheen Ali's Snap Count Reflects Trust in the Baltimore Ravens is the long-term impact of his growing role—both for the 2024 season and beyond. As the Ravens head into the playoffs, Ali’s snap count is expected to rise even more, especially in games where the Ravens need to spread the field or keep Henry rested. His presence also provides insurance: if Henry suffers an injury, the Ravens know they have a reliable backup who can handle a larger workload without a drop-off in production. Beyond this season, Ali’s development positions him as a potential successor to Henry, who will be 31 next season. “Rasheen is a big part of our future,” said Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta. “We signed Derrick to win now, but we also need to build for later, and Rasheen’s growth shows we’re doing that. He’s the kind of player who can keep our running game elite for years to come.” For the Baltimore Ravens, Ali’s snap count isn’t just a number—it’s a symbol of the trust that comes from hard work, growth, and consistency. As Ali continues to prove himself, that trust will only deepen, making him an even more vital part of the Ravens’ success. Ultimately, Rasheen Ali's Snap Count Reflects Trust in the Baltimore Ravens is a story of opportunity earned—a reminder that in the NFL, trust is the most valuable currency, and those who earn it are the ones who make the biggest difference.