Roster Depth Proves Resilient for the Baltimore Ravens

In the NFL, where injuries can derail even the most promising seasons, the Baltimore Ravens have turned a potential weakness into a strength: their roster depth. Through 16 weeks, the Ravens have lost 12 key players to injuries (including left tackle Ronnie Stanley, slot cornerback Arthur Maulet, and tight end Mark Andrews for multiple games), yet they’ve maintained a 10-5 record and secured an AFC North title. Roster Depth Proves Resilient for the Baltimore Ravens explores how the Ravens’ front office and coaching staff built a deep, versatile roster—through smart draft picks, strategic free agent signings, and development of practice squad players—and how that depth has kept the team competitive when stars go down. For the Ravens, depth isn’t just about having extra players—it’s about having players ready to perform at a high level when their number is called.

Roster Depth Proves Resilient for the Baltimore Ravens begins with the offensive line, a unit that’s faced significant turnover but has remained steady thanks to depth. When Stanley (a Pro Bowl left tackle) suffered an ankle injury in Week 10, backup Daniel Faalele stepped into the starting role—and didn’t miss a beat. Faalele, a 2022 fourth-round pick, allowed just 2 sacks in 6 starts, including a dominant performance against the Cincinnati Bengals’ pass rush (which entered the game with 42 sacks). “Faalele’s growth has been incredible,” offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris said. “We knew he had the size (6’8”, 380 pounds) and strength, but he’s worked tirelessly on his footwork and technique. When Stanley went down, he was ready to lead the line.” The depth doesn’t stop there: when right guard Kevin Zeitler missed two games with a shoulder injury, third-year player Ben Powers filled in, helping the Ravens rush for 150+ yards in both contests. This flexibility has been critical for an offense that relies on Derrick Henry’s ground attack and Lamar Jackson’s ability to extend plays. “Our offensive line depth is a testament to our scouting department,” general manager Eric DeCosta said. “We draft players with the potential to start, even if they’re backups at first, and we invest in their development. It’s paying off now.”

Roster Depth Proves Resilient for the Baltimore Ravens continues with the secondary, which has overcome injuries to key players by leaning on young, developing talent. When Maulet (the team’s starting slot cornerback) went down with a hamstring injury in Week 14, rookies Pepe Williams and Damarion Williams stepped up—and exceeded expectations. Pepe Williams, a 2023 sixth-round pick, recorded his first career interception against the Arizona Cardinals and allowed just 3 completions on 8 targets in three starts. Damarion Williams, a 2022 fourth-round pick, filled in at outside cornerback when Marlon Humphrey missed a game with a knee injury, breaking up 2 passes and forcing a fumble. “The secondary depth was a priority for us this offseason,” defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald said. “We drafted players who could play multiple positions—Pepe can cover slot or outside, Damarion can play nickel or safety—and we put them through reps in every scenario in practice. That preparation lets them step in and play with confidence.” The Ravens also added veteran depth in free agency, signing safety Geno Stone (who’s recorded 4 interceptions this season) to a one-year deal. Stone, who spent time on the practice squad in 2022, has become a reliable backup and even started three games when Kyle Hamilton was injured. “Geno’s story is what our depth is all about,” Macdonald said. “He worked hard, stayed ready, and when he got his chance, he made the most of it.”

Roster Depth Proves Resilient for the Baltimore Ravens shifts to the running back position, where the Ravens’ depth has allowed them to maintain one of the NFL’s top rushing attacks even when starters need rest or miss time. While Henry has been the workhorse (1,120 yards, 10 touchdowns), backups Keaton Mitchell and Justice Hill have provided explosive plays and critical depth. Mitchell, a 2023 undrafted free agent, has rushed for 420 yards and 3 touchdowns on just 65 carries (6.5 yards per carry), including a 40-yard touchdown run against the Cardinals that went viral. Hill, a 2020 fourth-round pick, has been a dual threat—rushing for 310 yards and catching 18 passes for 150 yards—while also contributing on special teams. “Having three running backs who can change the game is a luxury,” running backs coach Anthony Weaver said. “Derrick is our bell cow, but Mitchell brings speed and elusiveness, and Hill brings versatility. When one needs a break or gets hurt, the others step in and keep the offense rolling.” This depth was on full display in Week 15, when Henry missed most of the second half with a minor hip injury: Mitchell and Hill combined for 120 rushing yards, leading the Ravens to a 24-17 win over the Cleveland Browns. For the Baltimore Ravens, this running back depth isn’t just about production—it’s about keeping Henry fresh for the playoffs. “We want Derrick to be at his best in January,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “Having Mitchell and Hill lets us rest him in the regular season without sacrificing our rushing attack.”

Roster Depth Proves Resilient for the Baltimore Ravens delves into the practice squad, a often-overlooked part of the Ravens’ depth strategy that has provided key contributors this season. The Ravens have elevated 12 practice squad players to the active roster this season, including wide receiver Tylan Wallace and defensive tackle Travis Jones II, both of whom have made impact plays. Wallace, a 2022 fourth-round pick, was elevated in Week 12 when Odell Beckham Jr. missed a game with a knee injury—and caught 3 passes for 45 yards, including a 20-yard catch on third-and-10 that extended a game-winning drive. Jones, a 2023 fifth-round pick, was elevated in Week 13 and recorded a sack and 3 tackles against the Pittsburgh Steelers. “Our practice squad is like a second roster,” Harbaugh said. “We treat them like starters—they get the same reps in practice, the same film study time, and the same coaching. When we elevate them, they’re not just filling a spot—they’re ready to contribute.” The Ravens also use the practice squad to develop players for the future: 7 of this year’s practice squad players were drafted by the team in the past two years, including Wallace and Jones. For the Baltimore Ravens, the practice squad is an extension of their commitment to depth—ensuring that even players not on the active roster are prepared to help the team win. “We never know when we’ll need a practice squad player,” DeCosta said. “By investing in their development, we’re making sure we’re never caught off guard.”

Roster Depth Proves Resilient for the Baltimore Ravens wraps up with how this depth has positioned the Ravens for a deep playoff run—and why it’s a sustainable strategy for long-term success. In the playoffs, where injuries can pile up quickly, having a deep roster is often the difference between advancing and going home. The Ravens’ depth has already proven it can handle pressure: they’ve won 5 games this season with at least three starters injured, including a win over the Kansas City Chiefs (the AFC’s top seed) in Week 9. “Our depth gives us confidence,” Jackson said. “We know that if a teammate goes down, someone else will step up and get the job done. That unity makes us a stronger team.” The Ravens’ approach to building depth—prioritizing draft picks with upside, signing versatile free agents, and developing practice squad players—has become a model for other NFL teams. “We don’t just build for one season,” DeCosta said. “We build a roster that can compete year after year, even when injuries happen.” As the Ravens head into the playoffs, their depth will be one of their biggest advantages. Whether it’s Faalele protecting Jackson’s blind side, Pepe Williams covering a top receiver, or Mitchell providing a spark in the running game, the Ravens have players ready to perform. In the end, Roster Depth Proves Resilient for the Baltimore Ravens is a story about preparation—about building a team that’s ready for anything, and turning adversity into an opportunity to win.