OWINGS MILLS — Ravens rookie running back Rasheen All will get a chance to show his ability in the next seven weeks.
The team officially placed Keaton Mitchell on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list for training camp, meaning he can participate in team meetings and use team training and medical facilities, but he cannot practice. After six weeks, if the player is still injured and not able to play, they will be taken off the PUP list and placed on injured reserve on August 30th, 2023. Mitchell had knee surgery last year and isn’t expected to be available until the middle of the regular season.
It means Ali could take the majority of repetitions in the Ravens’ three preseason games against the Eagles, Falcons, and Packers. Derrick Henry will be the starter when the regular season opens, but coach John Harbaugh won’t risk an injury by playing him in August.
The team is looking forward to getting an extended look at Ali.
“[Ali] is a young man that really, really wants to be really good and wants to know everything,” Ravens running backs coach Willie Taggart said. “He’s another one that’s calling and texting and wanting to know what he’s supposed to do. He wants to know way in advance. He’ll call … I’ll get a call or text tonight, and [he’ll] ask about the script tomorrow and what to do. But watching him out here, each practice, he’s getting better and better.
“You can tell that he’s getting comfortable, and … he’s very talented. I’m excited to see him in training camp – when we get in pads – to see him play, and [I’m] excited to see how he does in [the] preseason. But I think he’s going to be a really good back for us. I really like what he’s doing.”
The Ravens selected Ali in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft. Ali had 1,135 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns on 212 carries in 12 games last season. He also caught 28 passes for 213 yards with another score. As a freshman in 2021, Ali had 250 carries for 1,401 yards with 23 touchdowns — the most in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
“He is an explosive guy. I think he runs hard. He finishes his runs,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said. “He catches the ball well; he can run routes.”
Ali, 5 feet 11, 206 pounds, took a leave of absence during his sophomore year to deal with mental and physical health issues. He also pulled out of this year’s Senior Bowl practices because of a biceps injury.
Protecting the football has been an issue for Ali, who had 11 fumbles in the last three seasons at Marshall. He also needs to improve his blocking skills to earn playing time with the Ravens.
“Certainly ball security is one of those things, but this is an explosive guy, very shifty, good vision, [and] he runs hard – all those different things,” DeCosta said.
