Rasheen Ali Leads Snaps Among the Baltimore Ravens Running Backs

Through the first 12 weeks of the NFL season, a clear hierarchy has emerged in the Baltimore Ravens’ running back room: second-year player Rasheen Ali has established himself as the team’s most trusted option, leading all Ravens running backs in offensive snaps with 482 (58% of the team’s total offensive plays). This snap count isn’t just a numbers stat—it’s a testament to Ali’s versatility, consistency, and ability to contribute in every phase of the Ravens’ offense, from downhill rushing to pass protection to catching out of the backfield. Rasheen Ali Leads Snaps Among the Baltimore Ravens Running Backs breaks down how Ali earned this role, what his snap leadership means for the Ravens’ offense, and why his presence has become indispensable to Lamar Jackson and the team’s playoff push. For a franchise known for its dominant rushing attacks, Ali’s rise to the top of the snap chart signals a new chapter in the Ravens’ ground game evolution.

Rasheen Ali Leads Snaps Among the Baltimore Ravens Running Backs begins with the data that defines Ali’s role: his 482 snaps outpace the next closest running back, Gus Edwards, by 136 (Edwards has 346 snaps), and Justice Hill by 211 (Hill has 271). What’s most notable about these numbers is their distribution across game situations: Ali plays 62% of the Ravens’ snaps in passing downs (third-and-long, second-and-10+), 55% in running downs (first-and-10, second-and-short), and 70% in two-minute drills—showing the coaching staff’s trust in him regardless of the scenario. “Rasheen’s snap count reflects how complete a player he is,” says Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. “We don’t have to take him off the field for passing downs, and we don’t have to limit him to short-yardage situations. He can do it all, which makes our offense more flexible.” Ali’s snap share has grown steadily throughout the season, starting at 42% in Week 1 and peaking at 71% in Week 10’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals—a game where he rushed for 89 yards, caught 4 passes for 32 yards, and blocked a Bengals linebacker on Jackson’s 25-yard touchdown run. This growth isn’t by accident; it’s the result of Ali’s offseason work to improve his pass protection and route running—skills that were seen as weaknesses in his rookie year.

Rasheen Ali Leads Snaps Among the Baltimore Ravens Running Backs continues with the on-field impact that justifies his snap count: Ali’s ability to balance production as a runner and a receiver. Through 12 weeks, he has rushed for 642 yards (4.7 yards per carry) and 5 touchdowns, while catching 31 passes for 248 yards and 2 more scores—making him the only Ravens running back with both 500+ rushing yards and 200+ receiving yards. His versatility was on full display in Week 8 against the Detroit Lions, when he played 68% of the snaps and contributed 76 rushing yards, 3 catches for 29 yards, and a critical block on a third-and-5 play that let Jackson connect with Zay Flowers for a first down. “Rasheen doesn’t just touch the ball—he makes plays that don’t show up in the box score,” says Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. “His blocking on passing downs is underrated, and his ability to read defenses on zone runs helps our offensive line. Those little things add up, and they’re why we keep him on the field.” Ali’s consistency is another key factor: he has fumbled just once all season (recovered by the Ravens) and has missed only 2 snaps due to injury—making him one of the most reliable players on the Ravens’ offense. For a team that values stability, especially in the backfield, Ali’s durability and low mistake rate have made him irreplaceable.

Rasheen Ali Leads Snaps Among the Baltimore Ravens Running Backs shifts to how Ali fits the Ravens’ offensive scheme—a system built around Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat ability and the need for running backs who can complement his skill set. The Ravens run a “hybrid” offense that blends zone running, power running, and spread passing, and Ali’s skill set aligns perfectly with each component: his vision and patience excel in zone runs, his strength (225 pounds) holds up in power formations, and his route-running precision makes him a viable target in spread sets. “We designed parts of our offense to take advantage of Rasheen’s strengths,” Monken explains. “For example, we’ll line him up in the slot on third-and-long because he can beat linebackers in coverage, and we’ll use him as the lead back in our power formation because he can block and then burst through the hole. He makes our scheme better because he can adapt to whatever we ask.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this alignment between player and scheme is critical—especially with Jackson having his best passing season (3,124 yards, 21 touchdowns, 5 interceptions). Ali’s ability to draw defensive attention away from Jackson (either as a runner or a receiver) opens up opportunities for other playmakers like Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. “Rasheen is a ‘safety valve’ for Lamar,” says former Ravens running back Ray Rice. “When defenses collapse on Lamar, he can hand it off to Rasheen, and Rasheen can make something happen. That’s the kind of player every dual-threat quarterback needs.”

Rasheen Ali Leads Snaps Among the Baltimore Ravens Running Backs delves into the coaching staff’s trust in Ali—a factor that goes beyond stats and scheme. Harbaugh and Monken have repeatedly praised Ali’s work ethic and football IQ, noting that he’s one of the first players in the building each day and one of the most engaged in film study. In Week 11’s win over the Cleveland Browns, Ali made a pre-snap adjustment on a run play that turned a potential 2-yard gain into a 15-yard touchdown—something he learned from studying Browns defensive tendencies the night before. “Rasheen thinks like a coach on the field,” Harbaugh says. “He understands coverages, he knows what the defense is trying to do, and he can communicate that to Lamar and the offensive line. That kind of football IQ is rare for a running back, and it’s why we trust him in high-pressure situations.” This trust was evident in Week 12’s overtime win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, when the Ravens gave Ali the ball on 4 of their 6 plays in the overtime period—culminating in his 10-yard touchdown run to seal the win. For the Baltimore Ravens, trust is earned through consistency and preparation, and Ali has checked both boxes. His snap count isn’t just a reward for past performance; it’s an investment in future success—especially as the Ravens head into the playoffs, where reliable players are worth their weight in gold.

Rasheen Ali Leads Snaps Among the Baltimore Ravens Running Backs wraps up with what Ali’s snap leadership means for the Ravens’ future and the rest of the running back room. While Edwards (a veteran) and Hill (a speedster) still have important roles—Edwards in short-yardage situations, Hill in kick returns—Ali’s emergence as the lead back gives the Ravens a long-term solution at a position that has seen turnover in recent years (the Ravens let J.K. Dobbins leave in free agency last offseason). “Rasheen is the kind of player you can build around,” Monken says. “He’s only 23, he’s improving every week, and he’s a good teammate. Having that stability at running back is huge for our offense.” Ali’s success also sets a standard for the Ravens’ running back room: to get snaps, players need to be versatile, reliable, and willing to contribute in all phases of the game. For the Baltimore Ravens, this standard will help them maintain their status as one of the NFL’s top rushing offenses for years to come. As the Ravens push for a Super Bowl, Ali’s snap count will likely remain high—because when the game is on the line, the coaching staff knows they can count on him. In the end, Rasheen Ali Leads Snaps Among the Baltimore Ravens Running Backs isn’t just a story about numbers; it’s a story about a player who worked his way to the top, earned the trust of his coaches and teammates, and became a key part of a championship-caliber team.