Keaton Mitchell didn’t touch the field in Week 1. He was a healthy scratch despite having a great camp and preseason.
The Ravens need to find ways to get him involved this season. His speed and big-play ability can give the offense a bigger edge.
Mitchell brought instant energy as a rookie in 2023. His burst and vision turned routine runs into highlight plays. Mitchell averaged 8.4 yards per carry on 47 attempts over the course of the year. Unfortunately, a season-ending injury cut that year short just as he started to gain momentum. Still, fans saw enough to know he could change games when healthy.
Ravens rookie @_KeatonMitchell cuts outside for a 39-yard TD!
: #CLEvsBAL on FOX
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/kECSNGc6Bj pic.twitter.com/PTmTQzwT6h
— NFL (@NFL) November 12, 2023
Last season, Keaton Mitchell worked his way back from injury but never looked fully comfortable. He returned late in the season while playing his part in special teams, but saw only 15 carries. Perhaps the team wanted to protect him, or maybe he wasn’t fully healthy. Either way, his role stayed small, but the offense could have used his spark.
Training camp and preseason showed a different version of Keaton Mitchell. He only played one preseason game but, rushed for 68 yards and a touchdown. Mitchell looked explosive, confident, and ready for more opportunities.
Keaton Mitchell getting shifty on his way to the end zone
INDvsBAL on @NFLNetwork
Watch live out-of-market preseason games on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/Sx1CV98Kgz— NFL (@NFL) August 7, 2025
Still, Baltimore left him on the sideline in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills. That decision needs to change. The Ravens could use even more speed in their rotation, and Mitchell provides exactly that.
The Ravens thrive when their backs compliment each other. Derrick Henry is a superstar who will always lead the backfield. Henry brings unmatched power and should dominate touches. Justice Hill adds steady balance as more of a pass catcher from the backfield.
Meanwhile, Keaton Michell gives the Ravens an explosive edge with his speed and elusiveness. His touches can stretch defenses and create space for Lamar Jackson and the passing game. Baltimore’s offense can be even more of a threat if Keaton Mitchell gets more touches. It’s time for John Harbaugh to bring him back into the fold.
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