Keaton Mitchell will be active in Week 5 against Houston after ACL rehab, bringing burst to Baltimore’s backfield as he makes his regular-season debut. He flashed big-play ability in college and as a rookie, posting 8.4 yards per carry on 12+ attempts. Rasheen Ali has been inactive in early weeks, so Mitchell could seize a prominent role behind Lamar Jackson and alongside Derrick Henry as Baltimore aims for a high-octane offense and a deep playoff run.

Ravens injury updates loom as Nnamdi Madubuike misses a second straight practice with a neck issue, clouding his Monday night status versus Detroit. Baltimore could lean four DLs and even elevate Brent Urban if needed, tilting the trench battle Detroit guards Mahogany and Ratledge. Rasheen Ali returned to full practice, keeping Keaton Mitchell sidelined for another week. Marlon Humphrey practiced in full; Isaiah Likely is day-to-day as the offense has thrived without him. Lions’ Marcus Davenport sat again, Campbell was limited and Decker again practiced fully.

Jaire Alexander is inactive for the Ravens at Cleveland after a limited week of practice and a rough Week 1 showing against Buffalo, where he allowed a big gain and drew a costly DPI. Ravens coach John Harbaugh emphasized practice time as a key factor in his early-season form and said they’ll give him opportunities to bounce back. New starter Chidobe Awuzie filled in as the No. 3 corner last week. Baltimore also ruled out Keaton Mitchell, Patrick Ricard, Isaiah Likely, Carson Vinson and David Ojabo, with Ricard and Likely out again. Cleveland will be without two-time All-Pro right tackle Jack Conklin, a notable matchup edge for Baltimore’s pass rush. For fantasy, Alexander’s inactivity could tilt pass-game volume toward the Browns’ receivers, while the Ravens’ depth pieces may reshape snap shares on defense and special teams.

Meanwhile, Bills veteran Keon Coleman produced a notable late-game gain against Baltimore the prior week, highlighting the volatility of Ravens secondary depth and the impact of practice time on coverage. This game sets up a ball-control, multi-RB approach for Baltimore if Mitchell is healthy but sits again, leaving the backfield in flux. The confluence of these inactives and practice narratives creates a week-to-week puzzle for fantasy managers in lineups and DFS lineups alike.

Sean Tucker, Curtis Samuel, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jordan Whittington, Luke Musgrave, Keaton Mitchell and Bucky Irving headline the Week 2 dynasty drop list, a reminder that timing and roster depth drive dynasty value. Tucker and Irving sit behind Bucky Irving in Tampa Bay, making Tucker a clear cut in many leagues. Samuel’s target share has cratered in Buffalo amid a receiver parade, while Washington’s backfield is crowded and Rodriguez isn’t trusted for goal-line work. Whittington’s Rams role is minimal, Musgrave shares a tight end field in Green Bay with Kraft, and Mitchell is displaced by Henry and Hill in Baltimore. The piece flags sunk-costs and focuses on players whose dynasty value no longer warrants a spot, even in deep leagues.

Rasheen Ali moved ahead of Keaton Mitchell on the Ravens’ Week 2 depth chart, signaling a shift in how Baltimore plans to deploy its backfield against Cleveland. Mitchell, returning from an ACL tear, believes he’s more explosive and aims to break out, but Ali’s ascent already impacts carries and kickoff duties. Week 1 inactive for Mitchell opened the door for Ali to prove himself as the more versatile playmaker. The entire backfield remains tethered to the offense led by Jackson and supported by a veteran like Henry, painting a picture of a high-variance but explosive run game.

Ali’s Week 2 positioning could shape the fantasy landscape as the Ravens balance power and speed. Mitchell’s upside remains tangible, but Ali’s ability as a home-run threat and returner gives him a clearer path to touches. The Browns present a stiff test, and how the Ravens choreograph the carries and returns will be a focal point for fantasy managers chasing upside in a likely high-scoring, pace-heavy offense.