Rasheen Ali Making Most of Preseason Opportunity

There were plenty of lessons around the preseason football field while the Baltimore Ravens took on the Dallas Cowboys, in a game that doesn’t count. LaJohntay Wester, for instance, learned that as accomplished as he is as a punt returner, he has plenty to work on as a receiver. Devontez Walker showed that he is capable of making plays and is probably a step above the backups he’s going against in August. The Ravens also got their most honest sample of what to expect from Tyler Loop, who went four for five kicking field goals in his home state. The player that exemplified the entire point of the preseason though, was none other than Rasheen Ali.

Ali had 19 carries for 62 yards on Saturday evening, while also chipping in 25 yards on a kick return. Ali was not the story of the game, but he was the player who got the most to do offensively. You’re probably thinking: Why is Ali the player that exemplifies the point of preseason football?

It’s because Ali is grinding his way in an uphill position battle on one of the NFL’s best teams. The 2024 fifth round pick is in the same spot he was in this time last year. Derrick Henry is one of the top three running backs in the NFL. Justice Hill is a trusted change of pace who can block and make an impact as a receiver. Keaton Mitchell has the explosiveness that creates a level of excitement that Ali just can’t match.

Ali has to prove himself with every play. He’s trapped in an audition where the understudies are as secure as the lead actor. Every snap of the football creates an opportunity and even when that opportunity is realized Ali’s situation doesn’t see much change. That is preseason football. That defines preseason football.

Ali had two big years in his four-year run at Marshall. In 2023 he ran the rock 212 times, rushed for 1,135 yards and scored 15 touchdowns. He’s a player with confidence that is earned by the audacious effort a life in football requires.

The point was made on the NBC/98 Rock simulcast by Gerry Sandusky that Ali could probably be a regular contributor for another team. It’s true. The Cowboys themselves could probably use him as a change of pace back behind Javonte Williams. I’d argue that the Commanders (who play the Ravens next week) would get more from Ali than an aging Austin Ekeler. Brian Robinson Jr. and Ali would probably be a formidable one-two punch.

The Ravens didn’t play Keaton Mitchell against the Cowboys. Part of that is because Mitchell is dealing with a minor injury; yet the Ravens know they don’t need to see Mitchell for the rest of the preseason. In the preseason opener, Mitchell had a gorgeous touchdown run to go along with his 68 yards. Mitchell showed that he was back and that he was ready to compete with Justice Hill for playing time behind King Henry.

Ali must be so conflicted. On one hand he’s gotten a chance two years in a row with a team that loves to run the ball. The Ravens are where good running backs want to be. On the other hand, there isn’t much opportunity for him and kick returning and special teams work is his best track to a roster spot. Ali must see that everything he does and everything that happens crazy glues him stuck in his predicament.

Ali has to control what he is able to control. That’s kind of obvious, but his situation is more written in solid ink than erasable pencil. He probably wants a couple of plays back, and he has struggled as a pass catcher out of the backfield. You almost have to wonder if a little confidence and a little more success could improve his pass catching. Thinking about it too much is the death of catching a football, and nobody knows the weight of each play more than a player trying out at a loaded position group. Still, Ali has looked the part.

In the first preseason game he had an electric kick return that almost went the distance. He’s averaging over 20 yards per kick return, nothing to scoff at. In the first game he rushed for 37 yards and a touchdown on just nine attempts.

It is also important to remember that Ali had 10 rushing attempts for 31 yards in the 2024 regular season. The Ravens have kept Ali around for a reason. They like him. The fans are getting more invested in him in each preseason game. If you’re looking for a reason to care about the preseason, Rasheen Ali is right there. That’s your reason.

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