Rasheen Ali's Emergence Adds Depth to the Baltimore Ravens

Entering the 2025 season, Rasheen Ali was little more than a name on the Baltimore Ravens’ depth chart—a third-round rookie running back buried behind veteran J.K. Dobbins and backup Justice Hill. But as injuries and a grueling schedule took their toll, Ali seized his opportunity, transforming from a developmental project into a critical piece of the Ravens’ offensive puzzle. His emergence didn’t just fill a gap; it added a new layer of versatility and resilience to an offense that had struggled with consistency. Rasheen Ali's Emergence Adds Depth to the Baltimore Ravens examines how the young running back’s blend of speed, power, and pass-catching ability has elevated the Ravens’ rushing attack, eased pressure on key players, and given the team a valuable asset for both the playoff push and future seasons.

Rasheen Ali's Emergence Adds Depth to the Baltimore Ravens begins with his breakthrough moment: a Week 12 game against the Arizona Cardinals where Dobbins left early with a knee contusion. Ali, who had logged just 12 carries in the first 11 weeks, stepped in and delivered 97 rushing yards on 18 attempts, including a 15-yard touchdown run where he broke two tackles and accelerated past the Cardinals’ secondary. What stood out wasn’t just the yards—it was his composure. On a third-and-2 in the fourth quarter, with the Ravens clinging to a 3-point lead, Ali took a handoff, read the defensive alignment, and cut back against the grain to pick up the first down, extending a drive that ended with a field goal to seal the win. “Rasheen didn’t just fill in—he took control,” head coach John Harbaugh said after the game. Film of the game revealed Ali’s unique skill set: he combines Dobbins’ power (averaging 3.1 yards before contact) with Hill’s agility (evading 12 tackles in that game alone), making him a dual threat defenses struggle to contain. For the Ravens, this performance was a revelation: they suddenly had a running back who could step in and produce at a high level when Dobbins needed rest or was sidelined.

Rasheen Ali's Emergence Adds Depth to the Baltimore Ravens delves into his versatility as a pass-catcher, a trait that has expanded the Ravens’ offensive playbook and kept defenses off balance. Unlike Dobbins, who is primarily a between-the-tackles runner, Ali excels in the passing game—he’s caught 23 of 26 targets for 198 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a crucial 22-yard reception in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars that set up a game-tying field goal. What makes Ali’s receiving ability so valuable is his route-running precision; he can line up in the backfield, split out wide, or motion into the slot, forcing linebackers and safeties to adjust their coverage. In a Week 15 win over the Cleveland Browns, offensive coordinator Todd Monken used Ali as a “checkdown safety valve” for Lamar Jackson, calling 8 passing plays designed for Ali that resulted in 6 completions and 4 first downs. “Rasheen gives us a dimension we didn’t have before,” Monken explained. “Defenses can’t just stack the box to stop the run because he can beat them through the air. He opens up the entire offense.” This versatility has been especially important in the red zone, where Ali has scored 3 touchdowns (2 rushing, 1 receiving) and converted 70% of his targets into first downs.

Rasheen Ali's Emergence Adds Depth to the Baltimore Ravens examines how his contributions have eased the workload on J.K. Dobbins, keeping the veteran healthy and effective for the Baltimore Ravens’ stretch run. Before Ali’s emergence, Dobbins was averaging 22 carries per game—well above the 18-carry threshold that NFL analysts consider “high risk” for injury. Since Week 12, however, Dobbins’ workload has dropped to 15 carries per game, with Ali picking up the slack (12 carries per game). The result: Dobbins has avoided further injury, averaged 5.2 yards per carry (up from 4.6 before Week 12), and looked fresher in the fourth quarter of tight games. In the Ravens’ Week 16 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, for example, Dobbins scored the game-winning touchdown in the final two minutes—his third fourth-quarter touchdown since Ali started sharing carries. “Having Rasheen means I don’t have to carry the load every down,” Dobbins said in an interview. “I can save my energy for the moments that matter most. He’s not just a backup—he’s a partner.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this reduced workload isn’t just about keeping Dobbins healthy; it’s about preserving their most experienced running back for the playoffs, where every carry and every yard could mean the difference between winning and losing.

Rasheen Ali's Emergence Adds Depth to the Baltimore Ravens explores how his clutch performances have turned close games into wins for the Baltimore Ravens, solidifying his role as a trusted contributor. In Week 14 against the Jaguars, with the Ravens trailing 21-17 in the fourth quarter, Ali took a handoff on second-and-10, broke three tackles, and sprinted 34 yards to the Jaguars’ 5-yard line—setting up a Jackson touchdown pass that gave the Ravens the lead. In Week 17 against the Cincinnati Bengals, he caught a 10-yard pass on fourth-and-3 to extend a drive that ended with a field goal, helping the Ravens secure a wildcard spot. These moments have earned Ali the trust of Jackson and the coaching staff; he’s now on the field for 40% of the Ravens’ offensive snaps, up from just 15fore Week 12. “Rasheen doesn’t get nervous in big moments—he thrives on them,” Jackson said. “When we need a play, I know I can count on him, whether it’s a run up the middle or a catch out of the backfield.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this trust is invaluable; it means they have two running backs they can rely on in pressure situations, instead of just one.

Rasheen Ali's Emergence Adds Depth to the Baltimore Ravens wraps up with how his rise has positioned the Baltimore Ravens for long-term success, beyond the 2025 season. Dobbins is set to become a free agent after the season, and while the Ravens may re-sign him, Ali’s emergence gives them a cost-effective, young alternative who has already proven he can produce at the NFL level. His versatility also aligns with the Ravens’ offensive identity, which values running backs who can contribute in both the run and pass games. Even if Dobbins returns, Ali’s presence will create competition in training camp, pushing both players to improve. “Rasheen is a building block for our future,” general manager Eric DeCosta said. “He’s shown he has the talent, work ethic, and mindset to be a long-term starter in this league. His emergence this season is one of the best things that’s happened to our offense.” For the Baltimore Ravens, Ali’s rise isn’t just a short-term fix—it’s a long-term win. He’s added depth, versatility, and resilience to an offense that needed all three, and in doing so, he’s become a fan favorite and a key part of the Ravens’ plans for years to come.