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2026 NFL backfield

Baltimore Ravens running backs

The current roster, the published replacement plan and the production behind each player’s role.

The published backfield plan

Published starter

Derrick Henry

Preferred handcuff

Justice Hill

Listed RB2 behind Henry for Week 1.

Committee uncertainty: an absence could spread work across several backs.

View Derrick Henry’s handcuff breakdown

Week 1 analysis published .

How the work could change

Baltimore’s Sept. 8 Week 1 depth chart lists Justice Hill as RB2 and Rasheen Ali as RB3. Hill is the clearest next option, though a Henry absence could still produce a committee.

Baltimore’s Sept. 8 Week 1 depth chart lists Justice Hill as RB2 and Rasheen Ali as RB3. Hill is the clearest next option, though a Henry absence could still produce a committee.

  • availability_unverified
  • stale_availability
  • committee risk

The full backfield depth chart

Every running back and fullback assigned to Baltimore Ravens, including reserve and practice-squad entries. Chart order and replacement opportunity answer different questions: a passing-down specialist can sit ahead of the back most likely to inherit the carries.

Source: nflverse depth-chart feed · Feed dated Thu, Sep 10, 8:01 AM EDT. Equal ranks are ties. Unlisted backs are not assigned an invented rank. FB ranks are separate from RB ranks.

Baltimore Ravens full running back depth chart
Feed orderPlayerScouting roleDraft investmentRoster status
RB1
Derrick HenryPublished starter
Three-down back2016 · Round 2 · Pick 45active
RB2
Justice HillPublished handcuff
Receiving back2019 · Round 4 · Pick 113active
RB3
Rasheen Ali
Change-of-pace back2024 · Round 5 · Pick 165active
RB4
Adam Randall
Role under review2026 · Round 5 · Pick 174injured reserve
Unlisted
Jonathan Ward
Role under reviewDraft history unavailablepractice squad

Every back: role, upside and obstacles

The player assessments below explain the skills that could earn work and the assignments that might go to someone else. Role labels describe scouting assessments; they are not confirmed snap shares. “Three-down” means a skill set for rushing and passing situations, not a guarantee of every down.

RB1 · Three-down back

Derrick Henry

Age 32 · 11 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Capable in saved assessmentPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Still one of the league's most dominant runners at 32, and Baltimore's unquestioned workhorse on early downs and at the goal line. Remarkably durable on huge volume; the only real risk in his profile is age and mileage.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

He is the starter in the dated board above. For fantasy purposes, the question is how much of the rushing and passing work he keeps when the whole room is available.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A starter can still lose third downs, short-yardage work or change-of-pace touches to specialists. His role assessment describes the skill set, not a guarantee that every assignment stays with him.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2016 · Round 2 · Pick 45

Drafted by TEN; not necessarily his current team.

Early-round investment is part of his prospect pedigree and may support a chance to develop. It does not guarantee the next workload, especially after a team change.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 17 recorded games include 307 carries and 15 receptions on 21 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB2 · Receiving back

Justice Hill

Age 28 · 8 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Baltimore's third-down back and Lamar Jackson's trusted protector, averaging 4.8 YPC and 8.3 yards per catch since 2023. If Henry missed time he would keep the passing-down role and split early downs, not become a 15-carry lead back.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

The dated board selects him as the preferred replacement behind Derrick Henry. That is a projection of the replacement role, not a promise that he gets every touch.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Derrick Henry. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A receiving specialist can retain passing-down work without becoming the lead runner. A bigger rushing role could go to a different teammate even if this player appears higher on the chart.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2019 · Round 4 · Pick 113

Drafted by BAL; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 10 recorded games include 18 carries and 21 receptions on 27 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB3 · Change-of-pace back

Rasheen Ali

Age 25 · 3 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Third back and Baltimore's primary kickoff returner. Would get late-game carries or spell Henry for a series, but the coaching staff has pointed to Hill, not Ali, as the man who absorbs work if Henry sits.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Derrick Henry. The dated board currently prefers Justice Hill for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Derrick Henry, Justice Hill. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A change-of-pace role can create useful touches in a limited package. It does not automatically transfer to the starter’s workload; another back may fit the early-down or short-yardage assignment better.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2024 · Round 5 · Pick 165

Drafted by BAL; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 15 recorded games include 7 carries and 9 receptions on 11 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB4 · Role under review

Adam Randall

Age 22 · Rookie · injured reserve

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Rookie back who was in the camp competition for the No. 4 job before landing on injured reserve. No NFL sample; not part of Baltimore's plans behind Henry this season.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Derrick Henry. The dated board currently prefers Justice Hill for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Rasheen Ali. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A clear role assessment is not available. Rushing experience, receiving usage and protection responsibilities need checking before treating him as a direct replacement.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2026 · Round 5 · Pick 174

Drafted by BAL; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is injured reserve. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Jonathan Ward

Age 28 · 6 years of NFL experience · practice squad

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established

Jonathan Ward is a six-year veteran listed by BAL at RB, from Central Michigan. The official roster lists him at 6-0 and 202 pounds.

Research checked Fri, Sep 11, 12:01 PM EDT. Undated biographies support background facts, not a current workload promise.

Path to more work

A practice-squad place keeps him available for development and possible elevation. Any offensive work would depend on an active-roster opening and a team decision to use him in the backfield.

Why the work could go elsewhere

The official roster verifies his current reserve placement and basic background but does not establish backfield rank, pass protection, a three-down role or a projected touch share.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

Draft history unavailable

A verified draft record is not available here. Missing data does not mean he went undrafted.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is practice squad. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

The production behind the names

2025 regular season. Recorded production, not a projection. A missing stat line is not a zero.

Player comparison for the 2025 regular season
PlayerGames with statsCarriesReceptionsTotal yardsPPR / game
Derrick Henry
1730715174516.4
Justice Hill
1018212626.5
Adam Randall
Jonathan Ward
Rasheen Ali
1579921.6
Derrick Henry: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 1311 touches
Wk 1426 touches
Wk 1511 touches
Wk 1618 touches
Wk 1736 touches
Wk 1820 touches
Justice Hill: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 52 touches
Wk 611 touches
Wk 81 touches
Wk 93 touches
Wk 102 touches
Wk 120 touches
Rasheen Ali: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 134 touches
Wk 143 touches
Wk 152 touches
Wk 162 touches
Wk 172 touches
Wk 181 touches

Totals include all teams played for that season. Per-game averages use games with recorded stats. Source: nflverse player statistics.

Evidence behind the backfield analysis

Compare your next bench move

A handcuff is an opportunity to hold, not a projected starter for this week. Compare the room with other teams, then choose a game window that fits your league’s rules.