Rasheen

Ali

No major surprises here as the Ravens remain one of the healthier teams in the league. The biggest absence is DT Broderick Washington, normally a starter off the edge for the Ravens.

Making his NFL debut after coming off injured reserve, fifth-round rookie Ali will try to push Justice Hill for change-of-pace/third-down touches. Inactive for the Ravens are WR Devontez Walker, WR/RS Deonte Harty, OG Andrew Vorhees, C Nick Samac, EDGE Adisa Isaac and S Beau Brade.

Ali opened the year on injured reserve after suffering a neck injury ahead of Week 1. He was a full participant in Friday’s practice, suggesting he has a good chance of suiting up this week. His return would give the Ravens another backup option behind Derrick Henry. Guard Andrew Vorhees is listed as questionable but appears likely to play versus the Bengals.

Ali was placed on injured reserve to open the season after suffering a neck injury. The rookie fifth-rounder will return to practice on Thursday and will now have 21 days to be activated from IR or be ruled out for the season. Assuming he does make it back, Ali won’t have much fantasy upside as a rookie as long as Derrick Henry and Justice Hill are upright. He could, however, make for an interesting stash in only the deepest of leagues as the handcuff to Henry.

Ali earned a “doubtful” tag for Week 1 against the Chiefs, suggesting this is more of a four-game ailment than season-ending issue. It still means Ali is unlikely to get into the 2024 change-of-pace mix behind Derrick Henry, at least until deep into the second half of the season.

Ali was limited in practice throughout the week but isn’t expected to suit up after getting hit with the doubtful tag. The rookie suffered the neck injury early in the preseason. With fellow reserve running back Owen Wright sidelined because of a broken foot, Justice Hill should see plenty of snaps behind Derrick Henry. Hill makes for an interesting play in single-game DFS formats but isn’t on the redraft radar.

Ali was the Ravens’ fifth-round pick and made the roster as the third back behind Derrick Henry and Justice Hill. He likely won’t be needed much on offense, but having the third back is useful for special teams and in case of injury. Tuesday was Ali’s second straight limited practice due to a neck injury. As long as he practices Wednesday, Ali has a shot to play Thursday night against the Chiefs. The only other Raven on the injury report was EDGE Adisa Isaac (hamstring) who did not practice and is trending towards not playing Week 1.

Ali ruptured his bicep at the senior bowl this previous season. He participated in various individual drills at rookie minicamp and could be ready to participate in OTAs in the coming months. Ali currently slots behind starter Derrick Henry, Keaton Mitchell, and Justice Hill on the Ravens’ depth chart, but could work his way up the ranks with a strong summer.

Ali (5’11/206) broke out in his second year on campus with 250 carries, 1,401 yards, and an absurd 23 touchdowns. He added 45 catches for 334 yards and a touchdown through the air. Ali missed most of his junior season which went down as a medical redshirt year. He returned in 2023 for another 210 carries, 1,125 yards, and 15 scores. Ali’s best numbers, both efficiency and volume-wise, came all the way back in 2021. This was undoubtedly a red flag for teams during the draft process. He is also recovering from a torn bicep suffered at the Senior Bowl, though he should be ready well before training camp. Ali is a one-cut runner with good burst but lacks the top-end speed to blow by defenders at the next level. His usage as a pass-catcher should help him hold onto a backup role in the NFL.

Ali (6'0"/201) started the scoring for the Thundering Herd with a 63-yard touchdown run on a dive play right up the middle. He burst through the hole and outran the defense virtually untouched for the score. His second touchdown was a read play that he busted outside to the right and got the edge for a touchdown. His first five rushes amassed 124 yards and two touchdowns, but the second half sang a different tune for Ali with his first five carries going for negative eight yards. He did rebound, taking a counter play up the middle for a nine-yard touchdown and his 23rd touchdown on the season to lead the nation. Pairing his 23 touchdowns with his 1,401 yards on the season shows that the future is incredibly bright for the young running back.