Reports: Baltimore Ravens to release veteran running back Mark Ingram II

The Baltimore Ravens will be releasing veteran running back Mark Ingram II on Tuesday, according to multiple reports. 

It is not a particularly surprising move. Ingram saw his playing time reduced throughout the year and was even scratched from a number of games, including both playoff contests, as the Ravens began leaning on the tandem of rookie J.K. Dobbins and third-year back Gus Edwards more and more throughout the season. Ingram appeared in 11 games for Baltimore this past season, posting career lows for both carries (72) and yards (299).

Before reports of his impending release even went public, Ingram took to Twitter and Instagram to thank the Ravens organization, his teammates and the fans. 

"Baltimore!!! I’d like to thank Mr. Steve Bisciotti and the Ravens for being a first class organization and welcoming my family and I to the city. I love all the real ones in flock nation that supported me unconditionally and showed love to the boy these last 2 years," Ingram wrote in his extended post on Instagram. "To my blood brothers, what’s understood Ain gotta be explained!! Call on 21 I got ya back forever y’all already know!! I’m looking forward to my next opportunity because the best is still ahead. Watch how God write this story! BIG TRUSS FOREVER!!" 

Ingram, 31, had one more year on his deal at $5 million. 

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Though Ingram became the odd man out in 2020 in a young running back room, his 2019 season with the Ravens was one of the best of his career. He earned Pro Bowl honors for the third time in rushing for 1,018 yards and he had a career-high 15 total touchdowns. The Heisman Trophy winner who spent the first eight seasons of his career with the New Orleans Saints also proved to be an incredible locker room presence, his leadership and infectious energy – see: "Big Truss" – a constant throughout the Ravens' 14-2 season. By most accounts, Ingram remained a consummate teammate in 2020 despite his lack of playing time and career-low production. 

Ingram has rushed for 7,324 yards and 62 touchdowns in 10 seasons.