Ravens just made their stance on promising playmaker crystal clear

Special teams are always a crucial part of how the Baltimore Ravens operate. In 2025, they are looking for more explosive plays from their return units. Going into Week 2 of the NFL season, they have made their stance on a rising playmaker crystal clear.

Despite a ton of hype surrounding electric running back Keaton Mitchell as a potential kick return option, fellow back Rasheen Ali has taken control of that job. He was strong in his six opportunities in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, and coming off that impressive showing, it seems he is running away with the spot.

On six returns, Ali accounted for 167 yards, an average of 27.8 yards per return, and a long of 41 yards. He also saw a carry in the red zone early in the second quarter, taking it up the middle for five yards. The Ravens scored a touchdown just a play later.

Entering their matchup against the Cleveland Browns, Ali has secured his role. The latest depth chart release now has Ali ahead of Mitchell.

Ravens just made their stance on Rasheen Ali crystal clear

Throughout training camp and the preseason, signs pointed toward Mitchell seeing more action with the ball in his hands. Ali snuck onto the roster largely due to his impact on special teams, and while many assumed Head Coach John Harbaugh was referring to coverage units, it is clear that he was including his kick return play.

Due to Ali’s substantial role and an influx of other talent on the team’s roster, Mitchell was a healthy scratch for the Buffalo game. As we get closer to Week 2, there is a high chance that it could once again be the case. Mitchell feels way too impactful to leave off the gameday roster, though.

Although he had a rough 2024 campaign, his rookie year before his horrific knee injury was one for the ages. He rushed for 396 yards on 47 carries, which was good for an otherworldly 8.4 yards per carry. He brought that dominance back to the table this past preseason, but Baltimore wants to see better special teams play from him, and until then, Ali will have a stranglehold on the job.

Mitchell certainly deserves a chance, but the Ravens already have so much talent at running back. Derrick Henry is a top-two back in the league, and Justice Hill is a crucial piece on passing downs, with his blocking prowess. The only real way for Mitchell to see significant action is by way of special teams, and Ali is proving too good to keep off the field in that area.

Ali has proved his coaches right thus far, and with kick returns becoming an increasingly important factor in the game, he may end up being a key player every Sunday.

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