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Derrick Henry’s production suggests the Baltimore Ravens can continue placing the running game on his shoulders. The workload required to produce those numbers explains why they should not be produced.
Henry rushed 307 times for 1,595 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2025. He has accumulated 632 carries over his first two seasons in Baltimore and will enter the upcoming campaign at 32 years old. The Ravens do not need to diminish Henry’s role. They need a supporting cast capable of ensuring he remains effective late in the season.
The interior offensive line will look different following the arrival of first-round guard Olaivavega Ioane and veteran center Ethan Pocic. Their ability to create movement will determine whether Henry consistently reaches the second level before absorbing contact. Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle is expected to incorporate more wide-zone concepts. Those designs can allow Henry to press the edge before making one decisive cut, but their success will depend on coordination across an evolving offensive line.
Lamar Jackson remains Baltimore’s greatest schematic advantage. Defenders must account for his ability to keep the ball, which slows backside pursuit and creates wider lanes for Henry. Few running backs receive that type of assistance from their quarterback.
Justice Hill remains the established complement after returning from the neck injury that ended his 2025 season. His receiving ability and pass protection allow Baltimore to remove Henry on obvious passing downs without revealing its intentions. Adam Randall and Rasheen Ali are competing for the next role. Randall is a 6-foot-3, 232-pound converted receiver with the power to handle carries and the hands to create mismatches. Ali has more experience in Baltimore’s offense and offers value on special teams.
Neither player is expected to threaten Henry’s starting job. Their responsibility is to make sure the offense remains productive when he leaves the field. Henry should continue receiving the majority of Baltimore’s carries, particularly in short-yardage situations and late in games. Workload management does not require a restrictive count. It requires the Ravens to avoid using him when another back can provide the same result.
The objective is not to protect Henry from football. It is to preserve his explosiveness for the games that will determine Baltimore’s season. If the offensive line develops and the reserve backs earn Doyle’s trust, Henry can remain the centerpiece without being asked to carry the entire operation.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Why Derrick Henry’s supporting cast matters more in 2026
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Henry rushed 307 times for 1,595 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2025. He has accumulated 632 carries over his first two seasons in Baltimore and will enter the upcoming campaign at 32 years old. The Ravens do not need to diminish Henry’s role. They need a supporting cast capable of ensuring he remains effective late in the season.
Baltimore’s offensive line must adjust quickly.
The interior offensive line will look different following the arrival of first-round guard Olaivavega Ioane and veteran center Ethan Pocic. Their ability to create movement will determine whether Henry consistently reaches the second level before absorbing contact. Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle is expected to incorporate more wide-zone concepts. Those designs can allow Henry to press the edge before making one decisive cut, but their success will depend on coordination across an evolving offensive line.
Lamar Jackson remains Baltimore’s greatest schematic advantage. Defenders must account for his ability to keep the ball, which slows backside pursuit and creates wider lanes for Henry. Few running backs receive that type of assistance from their quarterback.
The Ravens need production behind Henry.
Justice Hill remains the established complement after returning from the neck injury that ended his 2025 season. His receiving ability and pass protection allow Baltimore to remove Henry on obvious passing downs without revealing its intentions. Adam Randall and Rasheen Ali are competing for the next role. Randall is a 6-foot-3, 232-pound converted receiver with the power to handle carries and the hands to create mismatches. Ali has more experience in Baltimore’s offense and offers value on special teams.
Neither player is expected to threaten Henry’s starting job. Their responsibility is to make sure the offense remains productive when he leaves the field. Henry should continue receiving the majority of Baltimore’s carries, particularly in short-yardage situations and late in games. Workload management does not require a restrictive count. It requires the Ravens to avoid using him when another back can provide the same result.
The objective is not to protect Henry from football. It is to preserve his explosiveness for the games that will determine Baltimore’s season. If the offensive line develops and the reserve backs earn Doyle’s trust, Henry can remain the centerpiece without being asked to carry the entire operation.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Why Derrick Henry’s supporting cast matters more in 2026
Continue reading...
