Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh said running back Justin Forsett will "absolutely" be part of the team in 2016. But Harbaugh was less definitive when asked if Forsett was going to be the Ravens' featured back.

"There’s not a better person, there’s not a better guy [than Forsett]," Harbaugh said. "He understands everything we’re doing inside and out. I love him. But we’re going to put the guy out there that is gaining the most yards."

This likely sets up a competition between Forsett and Buck Allen, a fourth-round pick from a year ago.

After Forsett broke his arm last November, Allen produced the fourth-most total yards (627) of any running back in the final seven games of the season. He did struggle with ball security with two fumbles, and only averaged 3.5 yards per carry over that span.

The Ravens are certainly not writing off Forsett. He has been Baltimore's starter for the past two seasons, ranking No. 5 in the NFL in rushing in 2014 and No. 10 last season before suffering a season-ending injury. But Forsett is 30, which is when many running backs are in decline, and he's coming off a serious injury. He also didn't break as many long runs under offensive coordinator Marc Trestman as he did the previous season with Gary Kubiak.

How will this shake out? Forsett has proven to be the Ravens' most dependable runner. He was the only Baltimore running back who averaged more than four yards per carry last season. Still, given Forsett's size, the Ravens can probably get the best out of him by not having him carry a heavy workload. Forsett could end up having top billing for a backfield that shares the rushing attempts.

"The featured back will be the best back, and to me Justin Forsett certainly fits the bill," Harbaugh said. “He’s proven that already."

Even though the Ravens don't have an All-Pro back like Jamal Lewis or Ray Rice, Baltimore has plenty of experience in the backfield with Forsett, Allen, Lorenzo Taliaferro and Terrance West. The Ravens could also add former first-round pick Trent Richardson.

This caused some speculation that the Ravens would consider cutting Forsett. Baltimore would save $1.4 million of cap space by releasing him.

But the Ravens expect Forsett to return and be fully recovered when the offseason workouts begin this spring.

"His wrist is good," Harbaugh said. "He has one of those injuries that is really predictable."

What isn't predictable is how the Ravens' backfield will look when the season begins. This has the makings of one of the most competitive battles at running back in team history.