The Baltimore Ravens have the league’s most dangerous downfield runner in Derrick Henry, but he needs someone like Keaton Mitchell to ease his workload. While former fourth-round pick Justice Hill established himself as a reliable third-down back and change-of-pace option, Mitchell has a higher ceiling. A former undrafted free agent, the East Carolina product excelled as a rookie, recording 396 yards and two touchdowns on just 47 carries (8.4 yards per attempt) while adding another nine receptions for 93 yards in eight games.
Unfortunately, the breakout running back tore his ACL midway through the season, and he spent most of 2024 recovering from the ailment. While he played in five games, he recorded just 30 yards on 15 attempts and clearly wasn’t himself. Now over a year removed from his injury, Keaton Mitchell says that he’s back to full strength and ready to earn a role with the Ravens.
“I feel like I’m back better than when I first got here,” Mitchell said. “It’s going to be a movie for sure.”
Keaton Mitchell: “I’m Back,” Ready to Help Ravens
Keaton Mitchell Ravens Injury
Jan 19, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (34) returns the ball during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills in a 2025 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
While this is an encouraging quote to hear, it’s important to note that everyone is optimistic in the offseason, and only time will tell if Keaton Mitchell can win the backup job for the Baltimore Ravens. While Justice Hill is a reliable option, he’s nothing special as a player and doesn’t offer much upside. If Mitchell can stay healthy and recapture his rookie form, he could earn a larger share of the touches.
Nobody is stealing the starting job from Derrick Henry, but the 31-year-old might not have another 344-touch season in his tank. The five-time Pro Bowler will remain a workhorse, but a healthy Mitchell could reduce his workload slightly and increase his odds of playing all 17 games and staying strong in the playoffs. Ideally, Mitchell will take 5-10 carries per game, make the most of his opportunities, and be the lightning to Henry’s thunder.
Main Photo: Troy Taormina – Imagn Images