The Pittsburgh Steelers won't have to face the Baltimore Ravens' star rookie running back when they hit the road to face their division rivals during the final week of the regular season.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said following the Ravens' 23-7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars that he feared Keaton Mitchell, a breakout star rusher in the second half of the season, would be out for the season . And the following day, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport confirmed that Mitchell will miss the rest of the season, including a week 18 date with the Steelers, with a torn ACL.
Mitchell didn't take a carry until Week 9, when he rushed nine times for 138 yards and a touchdown against the Seahawks. He's accounted for 396 yards and two touchdowns on just 47 carries in eight appearances and two starts this season. Mitchell is averaging 8.43 yards per attempt in 2023.
Gus Edwards and Justice Hill will have to carry the load for the Ravens as they look to lock up the AFC's top overall seed over the final three weeks of the regular season.
The Steelers are scheduled to travel to Baltimore, Maryland for their season finale against the rival Ravens during Week 18, with a kickoff time yet to be announced. If Pittsburgh can pull off wins at Cincinnati this weekend and Seattle the following week and get some help from the rest of the AFC, their date with the Ravens to close the regular season could be their last chance to steal a playoff bid.
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