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Rasheen Ali Could Be More Than Ravens' RB3
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- Rasheen Ali Could Be More Than Ravens' RB3
The Ravens' one-two punch is seemingly set in stone. Derrick Henry remains the bell cow in Baltimore, while Justice Hill contributes as a change-of-pace option thanks to his receiving ability. Rasheen Ali sits third in the running back pecking order, but he has still carved out an important role as the team's primary kick returner.
In 30 returns, Ali accumulated 763 yards, with his longest going for 43 yards. Baltimore has once again listed him as its primary kick returner, but his open-field ability may give the Ravens more to work with than just special teams.
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More Than A Returner
Dec 27, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Rasheen Ali (26) warms up before a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images
Ali was profiled as a twitchy one-cut runner during his time at Marshall. His tape backs that up, with much of his work coming on north-south concepts such as inside zone, duo, and trap runs designed to take advantage of his burst. That skill set translates naturally to kick returns. When several coverage players are bearing down on you, there is little time for a Barry Sanders impersonation; finding the best-blocked lane and hitting it decisively is usually the better option.
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But could that speed translate to Baltimore's offense? Ali is unlikely to see many touches with Henry and Hill ahead of him, but an occasional carry, screen or designed touch could give the Ravens a change of pace.
The Ravens' new offensive coordinator, Declan Doyle , worked in Chicago last season, where the offense was willing to use situational players such as Olamide Zaccheaus to throw defenses a curveball. It is not a one-for-one comparison, especially considering Zaccheaus is a wide receiver, but it does suggest Doyle is comfortable being part of an offense that gets creative. Ali may never command a serious workload, but his skill set could warrant the occasional offensive cameo rather than limiting his impact to kick returns.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
