Who Should I Start? Raheem Blackshear or Rasheen Ali

Tuesday, July 1, 9:30 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Raheem Blackshear will "almost exclusively be a special teams player" in 2025 if the team elects to keep a fourth RB around beyond training camp, writes The Charlotte Observer's Alex Zietlow. The Panthers only kept three RBs a year ago. Even with rookie Jonathon Brooks (knee) out for most of last season, Blackshear didn't have a single rushing attempt until Week 16. The 27-year-old will primarily be competing with David Moore, Jimmy Horn Jr. and Hunter Renfrow for a spot on the team's 53-man roster as a return option. The former undrafted free agent in 2022 has had 68 touches for 341 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on offense for the Panthers in the last three years while adding 66 kickoff returns for 1,734 yards and 23 punt returns for 200 yards. He's off the fantasy radar in the vast majority of leagues.

Friday, August 8, 12:43 AM

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh noted that running back Rasheen Ali was "banged up" during Thursday's 24-16 win over the Colts. Ali finished with nine carries for 37 yards and a touchdown, continuing his bid for a roster spot behind Derrick Henry and Justice Hill. While the top of the depth chart is set, Ali remains a long shot for fantasy value in 2025 without injuries ahead of him. The rookie logged just 10 carries for 31 yards across six games in 2024. His camp status is worth monitoring, especially in deep leagues or for dynasty stash consideration.