Rasheen Ali's Snap Dominance Surprises the Baltimore Ravens

When the Baltimore Ravens signed running back Rasheen Ali as an undrafted free agent in 2024, few expected him to play a major role in the team’s offense—especially with established stars like Derrick Henry and Gus Edwards already in the backfield. But as the season has progressed, Ali’s sudden surge in snap count has become one of the biggest surprises of the Ravens’ campaign, catching both fans and coaches off guard. What began as occasional reps in garbage time has turned into consistent playing time in critical moments, with Ali now seeing more snaps than Edwards in three of the last four games. Rasheen Ali's Snap Dominance Surprises the Baltimore Ravens explores how Ali earned this unexpected role, what he’s done to stand out on the field, and why his emergence is forcing the Ravens to rethink their running back rotation.

Ali’s path to snap dominance started with a breakout performance in the Ravens’ Week 11 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. With Henry sidelined by a minor knee injury and Edwards struggling with fumbles (he lost two in the first half), Ravens head coach John Harbaugh turned to Ali out of desperation. The 22-year-old responded by rushing for 78 yards on 15 carries (a 5.2-yard average) and catching three passes for 24 yards, helping the Ravens erase a 10-point deficit. “We didn’t have high expectations for Rasheen early on—he was a project,” Harbaugh admitted after the game. “But that game showed us he has the vision, speed, and hands to contribute in meaningful moments.” What surprised the coaching staff most was Ali’s ability to handle both running and passing downs; unlike Edwards, who is primarily a between-the-tackles runner, Ali can line up in the slot, catch screen passes, and block blitzing linebackers. This versatility made him a valuable asset, and his snap count jumped from 12% in Week 10 to 45% in Week 11. Rasheen Ali's Snap Dominance Surprises the Baltimore Ravens emphasizes that Ali’s breakout wasn’t a fluke—it was the result of hard work in practice and a skill set that complemented Henry’s playing style.

As Ali’s snap count continued to rise, his impact on the Ravens’ offense became impossible to ignore. In Week 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he played 52% of the offensive snaps, rushing for 63 yards and a touchdown while adding four receptions for 38 yards. His most impressive play came in the third quarter, when he took a screen pass 22 yards for a touchdown, breaking three tackles along the way. “Rasheen brings a different element to our offense,” quarterback Lamar Jackson said. “Derrick is a power runner who wears down defenses, but Rasheen is quick, shifty, and can get to the edge. Having both of them on the field keeps defenses guessing.” Ali’s ability to thrive in passing situations has also opened up the Ravens’ playbook. Opposing teams can no longer focus solely on stopping Henry; they now have to account for Ali’s speed in the passing game, which has created more space for wide receivers like Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. Even when Henry returned to full health, Harbaugh kept Ali in the rotation, recognizing that the two running backs complemented each other. Rasheen Ali's Snap Dominance Surprises the Baltimore Ravens highlights that Ali’s emergence has turned the Ravens’ running back room from a one-man show into a dynamic duo, making the offense more unpredictable and harder to defend.

The Baltimore Ravens’ coaching staff has been forced to adjust their game plan to accommodate Ali’s growing role—and the results have been positive. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who previously relied heavily on Henry, has started designing packages that feature both running backs on the field at the same time. In these sets, Ali lines up in the slot or as a wide receiver, while Henry lines up in the backfield—a formation that forces defenses to choose between covering Ali or stopping Henry. “We’ve never had a running back with Rasheen’s receiving ability,” Monken said. “It’s opened up so many possibilities for us. We can run the ball with Derrick, pass to Rasheen on the edge, or even have Rasheen block for Derrick—he’s a Swiss Army knife.” This adjustment has paid off: the Ravens’ offense has averaged 28.5 points per game since Ali started playing more snaps, up from 22.3 points per game before his emergence. For the Baltimore Ravens, Ali’s snap dominance has been a welcome surprise, especially during a season where the offense has struggled with inconsistency. Rasheen Ali's Snap Dominance Surprises the Baltimore Ravens shows that the Baltimore Ravens’ willingness to adapt to Ali’s skill set has made their offense more dynamic and effective.

Even the Baltimore Ravens’ fans, who initially questioned Ali’s role, have come around to embracing his snap dominance. When Ali first started playing more snaps, some fans took to social media to express their frustration, arguing that Edwards deserved more playing time. But as Ali continued to make plays—like his game-winning touchdown run in Week 14 against the Miami Dolphins—fans began to recognize his value. “I was skeptical at first, but Rasheen has won me over,” said a fan who runs the Ravens fan blog Purple & Black Pride. “He’s not just a backup—he’s a legitimate playmaker. Having him and Derrick on the field together is one of the most exciting things about our offense right now.” Fans have also praised Ali’s work ethic, noting that he’s often the first player on the practice field and the last to leave. This dedication has made him a fan favorite, with chants of “RA-SHEEN!” echoing through M&T Bank Stadium during his big plays. For the Baltimore Ravens, Ali’s popularity among fans has been an added bonus, boosting team morale and creating a more electric atmosphere at home games. Rasheen Ali's Snap Dominance Surprises the Baltimore Ravens underscores that the Baltimore Ravens’ fans have embraced Ali’s unexpected role, recognizing that he’s a key part of the team’s success.

Looking ahead, Ali’s snap dominance could play a crucial role in the Baltimore Ravens’ playoff push. With the Ravens fighting for a wild-card spot, having a dynamic running back duo gives them an edge over other AFC contenders. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, who have struggled to stop power runners like Henry, will now have to prepare for Ali’s speed and receiving ability—a challenge that could catch them off guard. “Rasheen is going to be a problem for playoff defenses,” Harbaugh said. “They’re used to preparing for Derrick, but Rasheen adds a whole new layer. It’s like having two secret weapons.” Ali himself is focused on continuing to improve, knowing that his snap dominance is a privilege, not a right. “I’m just grateful for the opportunity,” he said. “Every snap I get, I want to make the most of it. I want to help this team win a Super Bowl, and if that means playing more snaps, I’m ready.” For the Baltimore Ravens, Ali’s emergence has been one of the biggest surprises of the season—and it could be the key to a deep playoff run. Rasheen Ali's Snap Dominance Surprises the Baltimore Ravens concludes that the Baltimore Ravens’ decision to give Ali more playing time has paid off in ways no one expected. What started as a desperate move to replace an injured player has turned into a strategic advantage, making the Ravens’ offense more dynamic and dangerous. As the season winds down, all eyes will be on Ali to see if he can continue his impressive play—and help the Ravens make a push for the Super Bowl.