Declan Doyle isn’t ready to place a number on Derrick Henry’s workload, but the Baltimore Ravens’ first-year offensive coordinator made one part of his plan clear.
Henry will remain one of the centerpieces of Baltimore’s offense.
Doyle declined to predict how many carries the five-time Pro Bowl running back will receive in 2026. He did, however, describe Henry’s expected role as “immense” during a conversation with reporters Wednesday.
“I was telling the offensive staff how cool it is when you call a run play — and you’re a first-time playcaller — and Derrick Henry is the running back,” Doyle said, according to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. “And you’re like: the odds of this working is a lot higher.”
Ravens OC Declan Doyle wouldn’t specify the amount
of carries for Derrick Henry this year but said the 5-time Pro Bowl running back will have “an immense role.” Henry has totaled over 300 carries in each of his first two seasons in Baltimore. Doyle: “I was telling the offensive… pic.twitter.com/NILB1twoRW
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) August 12, 2026
Derrick Henry remains central to the Ravens’ plans.
Henry has absorbed a significant workload since joining Baltimore. He carried the football 325 times for 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024 before adding 307 attempts, 1,595 yards and another 16 scores last season. That gives him 632 carries over his first two years with the Ravens. He has rewarded Baltimore’s faith by producing 3,516 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns during that span.
Doyle’s comments suggest the Ravens have no intention of moving away from the formula. The challenge will be determining how to maximize Henry without unnecessarily wearing down the 32-year-old running back before the most important portion of the schedule.
Baltimore has complementary options. Justice Hill remains capable of contributing as a runner and receiver. Rasheen Ali is competing for a larger role, while rookie Adam Randall has impressed Jesse Minter with his physical style during padded practices.
Those players can help manage Henry’s workload, but none will replace his importance.
Declan Doyle inherits a playcaller’s advantage
Doyle is preparing to call plays for the first time at the NFL level. Having Henry in the backfield should make that transition easier.
Defenses must commit additional resources to stopping Baltimore’s rushing attack. That can create favorable matchups for Lamar Jackson, Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Mark Andrews and the rest of the passing game. Jackson’s mobility only makes the assignment more difficult.
The Ravens still need consistent blocking from an offensive line undergoing changes at center and guard. Henry can create yards after contact, but the offense will be most dangerous if Baltimore consistently gives him room before he encounters the first defender.
Doyle doesn’t need to guarantee Henry another 300 carries in August. Injuries, game situations and the performance of Baltimore’s other backs will influence the final total.
He only needed to clarify whether Henry would remain a major part of the offense. Describing his role as immense answered that question.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Derrick Henry’s workload remains central to the Ravens' offense
