Indianapolis Colts v Baltimore Ravens - NFL Preseason 2025 Patrick Smith/GettyImages

Ravens backfield stakes claim as NFL's best after running wild in preseason opener

Originally posted on Ebony Bird | By Evan Mazza | Last updated Aug 9, 2025 8:00 AM ET

The Baltimore Ravens have a great tradition at running back. From Jamal Lewis, Ray Rice, Willis McGahee, Justin Forsett, Mark Ingram, and now to Derrick Henry. The identity of Baltimore's offense for almost its entire history has been running the football.

This year, the running backs behind Henry are also full of talent. During Baltimore's preseason opening win against the Indianapolis Colts, the Ravens displayed just how good their running backs are. Keaton Mitchell and Rasheen Ali stood out on Thursday night.

Ravens Runnings Backs Show Out In Preseason Opener

Two years ago, Mitchell showed his potential with his speed and burst before tearing his ACL. In 2024, Mitchell was still recovering from his injury as Baltimore signed Henry, and Justice Hill took over the backup running back job. Mitchell was activated off the PUP list in Week 10 during the 2024 season and only got 15 carries for 30 yards. For Mitchell, 2025 hopes to be a bounce-back season, and he got off to a good start on Thursday night against Indianapolis.

Mitchell took the opening kickoff of the game for 16 yards to begin his night. After the Colts kicked a field goal following a Cooper Rush interception, Mitchell took the kickoff 25 yards, and from there, he would have a "welcome back" drive. The 23-year-old got a 23-yard gain on 2nd-and-1 from Baltimore's 48-yard line. A few plays later, Mitchell used his speed to go 22 yards for Baltimore's first touchdown of the preseason.

Mitchell said after the game that he feels a lot more confident in his knee. He finished the night with nine carries for 68 yards and a touchdown. He also added 64 return yards. Ali also had a good performance.

Ali took a kickoff for 69 yards and then scored on a touchdown in the ensuing drive to make it 21-9 Ravens. He had nine carries of his own for 37 yards to go along with his huge kickoff return. His speed and elusiveness were also a highlight of this game.

While there wasn't much to write home about in the passing game, Baltimore's rushing offense, even with no Henry, showed its potential. Baltimore is deep all around on its roster, but running back could be the deepest.