The Facts: West reports to training camp Wednesday as the unquestioned lead back for the Ravens, especially after Kenneth Dixon's uncertain timetable following knee surgery. West's biggest competition for carries and perhaps the No. 1 job might not be on the Ravens yet. That player might currently be in the NFC East. Notable backs such as Washington's Matt Jones, Philadelphia's Ryan Mathews and Dallas' Alfred Morris are all reportedly on the outs after having productive recent seasons.
Diehards Line:
One of the Ravens' top priorities for this season is to improve the NFL's fifth-worst rushing attack (91.4 yards per game), and Baltimore could upgrade the running back position even after the expected signing of Bobby Rainey. The Ravens can also monitor the crowded backfields in Denver, New England and New Orleans as well as consider possible trades. The 49ers could be looking to move Carlos Hyde, who was originally drafted by Jim Harbaugh in San Francisco and played under assistant Greg Roman (who is now with the Ravens). Baltimore obviously is not satisfied with its backfield. The Ravens were looking to sign Rainey before Dixon's surgery. West has never averaged more than four yards per carry in any of his four seasons and he's never carried the ball more than 193 times in a season. Beyond West, the Ravens have Danny Woodhead, who is primarily a pass-catcher out of the backfield; Buck Allen, who was a healthy scratch for the final four games last season; Taquan Mizzell, an undrafted rookie; and Lorenzo Taliaferro, who was moved to fullback.