CAMP NOTES: Ravens Work Out The Kinks, Sign a New RB

Jesse Minter’s preseason debut as the Ravens head coach was an overwhelming success. The team competed well on all levels, dominated statistically, were penalized just 3 times while equitably distributing snaps throughout the depth chart.

Now it’s important to keep in mind that there are no game plans associated with preseason games intended to strategically manipulate and pressure an opponent’s weakness. That changes the dynamics of competition, and we’ll see soon enough how Minter’s staff plays chess across from an opposing coaching staff. But so far, so good, particularly when considering that the team emerged from the game relatively unscathed as it relates to the injury report.

Each offseason, NFL teams attempt to address weaknesses or personnel losses from the previous campaign. Among those at the top of the Ravens’ list were the offensive line, pass rush, tight end and depth at wide receiver. If the first preseason game is any indication, the club is on a solid path to successfully addressing these deficiencies. If I have any knock on the Saturday evening performance at The Bank, it’s the pass rush. Schemed pressures like that below are great. But I’d like to see more one-on-one wins from the edge players.

Jesse Minter with the BEST defensive play call of NFL Preseason Week 1 pic.twitter.com/vkBUbWFJah

— Chris Cooper (@ChrisCooper_NFL) August 16, 2026

Another area of mild concern is at running back. Rasheen Ali has had a very productive camp but he sat out the game with an undisclosed injury and judging by the signing of journeyman RB Jonathan Ward, Ali may miss more time.

This past week the Ravens worked out three running backs (D’Ernest Johnson, Ward, and Jared Chisari) before settling on Ward. Ward across 46 regular-season games, has totaled just 91 rushing yards on 22 carries plus six receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown. He entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Central Michigan with the Cardinals in 2020, played 32 games for Arizona, spent two years with the Titans, and appeared in four games for the Steelers in 2024. He was far more productive in college, totaling 3,446 scrimmage yards and 32 touchdowns in four seasons at Central Michigan.

We have signed RB Jonathan Ward. https://t.co/0ZKmHqLq9n

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 16, 2026

Ward is camp fodder. He’s like a part-time temp. If Ali’s injury forces him to lose significant time that pushes his recovery into the regular season, look for the Ravens to make a more significant splash than Ward to bolster their offensive backfield.

The Voice

Preseason mode isn’t unique to the players and coaches. It also affects game officials and even the broadcasting crews. Kyle Youmans made his on-air debut as the “Voice of the Ravens” Saturday night alongside analyst Rod Woodson and sideline reporter Evan Washburn.

Youmans is just the team’s third play-by-play announcer, and he replaces a man who sat behind the Ravens PBP mic for 20 seasons. Those are big shoes to fill. Gerry Sandusky called the franchise’s second Super Bowl championship along with many of the most memorable moments in team history, and his signature phrase, “The hay is in the barn,” became tightly associated with Ravens victories. (Side Note: I’ve always thought that Gerry’s signature phrase was as corny as locker room John Harbaugh…but I digress).

Replacing a legend is a challenge for many fans who become attached to familiar voices. Sandusky served as the soundtrack to some of the franchise’s greatest moments and replacing that level of familiarity is never easy — comparisons are inevitable. The resistance to change is natural.

The 30-year-old Youmans must have had pregame jitters. It’s natural in any job, much less one that is heard by millions and criticized by many. I’ve read on the RSR forums that some thought Youmans was boring. Look, preseason games are boring and they require an announcer to be familiar with 90 players, the sometimes-challenging pronunciations of the names, and to a certain extent, the same of the opponent’s players.

I have a good feeling about Kyle. If you’re on the fence or the wrong side of it, give it time.

TOUCHDOWN @cantGuardJak1!!!!!

Tune in on @wbaltv11. pic.twitter.com/OcUOBGsDkv

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 15, 2026

The post CAMP NOTES: Ravens Work Out The Kinks, Sign a New RB appeared first on Russell Street Report.

Source: https://russellstreetreport.com/2026/08/17/camp-notes/preseason-debut/