Let's be real for a second. If you told a Ravens fan three years ago that Derrick Henry would not only be a Raven in 2026 but would be fresh off a record-breaking extension, they probably would’ve laughed you out of the harbor. Yet, here we are.
The baltimore ravens depth chart rb situation entering 2026 is, frankly, one of the most fascinating experiments in the NFL. It’s a mix of a living legend who refuses to age, a speedster trying to find his legs after another brutal injury, and a steady veteran who is basically the heartbeat of the special teams unit.
The vibes in Baltimore? Mostly "King Henry or Bust."
The Unstoppable King: Derrick Henry’s Grip on RB1
Derrick Henry turned 32 in January. Usually, that’s when NFL teams start looking at running backs like they’re a carton of milk five days past the expiration date. But Henry is a freak. In May 2025, the Ravens signed him to a massive two-year, $30 million extension with $25 million guaranteed.
It’s the richest deal for a running back over 30 in league history. Period.
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Why did Eric DeCosta do it? Because in 2024, Henry didn't just play well—he was a force of nature. He racked up 2,141 total yards and 18 touchdowns. He basically carried the offense when the passing game went through those typical late-season "Ravens being Ravens" hiccups. Heading into 2026, he’s the undisputed starter.
The team even adjusted his cap hit for 2026 down to about $5.5 million, which is some serious salary cap wizardry. Honestly, the Ravens are betting the house that Henry’s workout routine—which involves pushing trucks and lifting weights that would crush a normal human—keeps the "cliff" at bay for one more year.
The Heartbreak of Keaton Mitchell
Look, we all saw it. 2025 was supposed to be the "movie," as Keaton Mitchell himself put it. And for a while, it really was. He was averaging over 5.8 yards per carry and looked like he had finally regained that terrifying 20-plus mph speed from his rookie year.
Then came December 2025 against the Steelers.
Another knee injury.
It was a gut-punch. Before the injury, Mitchell was starting to eat into Henry’s snaps because his burst was simply too much for tired defenses to handle. Now, his status for the start of the 2026 season is a giant question mark. He’s technically a restricted free agent (RFA) this offseason, but everyone expects the Ravens to keep him. The team loves his upside, but at some point, the "injury prone" label starts to stick, whether it's fair or not.
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If he can't go by Week 1, the baltimore ravens depth chart rb looks significantly thinner on big-play potential.
Justice Hill: The Professional’s Professional
If Derrick Henry is the hammer and Keaton Mitchell is the lightning, Justice Hill is the glue. He signed his own two-year, $6 million extension back in late 2024, keeping him under contract through 2026.
He’s the guy you don't notice until it's 3rd-and-7 and Lamar Jackson needs a check-down or a blitz picked up. Hill is one of the best pass-blocking backs in the league. He’s also the guy who will play 20 snaps on special teams without complaining.
In 2025, he was essentially the RB2 for a large chunk of the year while others were banged up. For 2026, he remains the safety net. You've gotta respect a guy who has been in Baltimore since 2019 and just keeps finding ways to be essential.
The Rest of the Room: Rasheen Ali and Sone Ntoh
Beyond the "Big Three," the depth chart gets a bit murky.
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- Rasheen Ali: The 2024 fifth-rounder took a "modest step forward" last season. He’s a change-of-pace guy, but he hasn't exactly seized a role yet. With Mitchell’s injury, Ali has a massive opportunity in training camp to prove he’s more than just a kick returner.
- Sone Ntoh: The undrafted guy from Monmouth. He’s a big, bruiser-style back (6'0", 230 lbs) who spent time on the practice squad. He’s basically "Henry-lite" for the scout team. If the Ravens want a true goal-line backup for the King, Ntoh is the name to watch.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Backfield
Most national media talking heads look at the Ravens and say, "Lamar Jackson is the leading rusher anyway, so the RBs don't matter."
That is flat-out wrong.
In 2025, the Ravens actually ranked second in the league in rushing even while Lamar missed a few games and dialed back his own designed runs. They’ve transitioned. This is now a "Derrick Henry offense" that uses Lamar’s gravity to create lanes.
The biggest limitation for 2026 isn't the talent at RB—it's the offensive line. With Tyler Linderbaum's contract situation being a major offseason talking point and the guards (Daniel Faalele and Andrew Vorhees) having a shaky 2025, it won't matter if King Henry is in the backfield if there’s a 300-pound tackle in his lap at the handoff.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Season
If you're following the baltimore ravens depth chart rb for fantasy, betting, or just pure fandom, keep these things in mind:
- Watch the Keaton Mitchell PUP list status. If he starts the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, Rasheen Ali becomes a mandatory "handcuff" for Henry.
- Monitor the O-Line rebuilding. The Ravens have $20.8 million in projected cap space, but a Lamar extension could blow that wide open. If they sign a big-name guard, Henry's value triples.
- Don't sleep on Justice Hill in PPR. If the Ravens' pass-catching corps (Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and veteran DeAndre Hopkins) draws all the coverage, Hill is the king of the 5-yard "dump-off" that keeps drives alive.
The Ravens' run game is a dinosaur in a league that wants to be an air-raid circus, and honestly, that’s why it works. They’re zigging while everyone else zags. As long as Henry stays healthy, Baltimore is going to be a nightmare to tackle in 2026.
Next Steps for the Offseason:
Keep a close eye on the 2026 NFL Draft. Even with Henry and Hill under contract, the Ravens historically love taking a flyer on a mid-round RB (rounds 4 or 5). If they grab a downhill runner early on Day 3, it might signal they’re worried about Henry’s mileage or Mitchell’s recovery timeline. Checking the UDFA signings immediately after the draft is also key, as that’s how they found gems like Mitchell in the first place.