The Ravens are locked in a tight one with the Steelers, trailing 27-22 midway through the fourth quarter, but the bigger concern out of Baltimore right now is the health of one of their most electric playmakers. Running back Keaton Mitchell has been ruled out for the rest of the game with a knee injury, casting a shadow over what's been a gritty divisional battle with major AFC North implications.
Mitchell, just 23 years old, was having a strong afternoon before the injury. He racked up 76 yards on just six carries-an eye-popping 12.7 yards per attempt-showcasing the burst and big-play ability that’s quickly made him a fan favorite in Baltimore. He was leading the team in rushing before going down, and his absence immediately reshapes the Ravens’ backfield dynamic.
With Mitchell sidelined, the Ravens will turn to Rasheen Ali as the next man up behind Derrick Henry. That’s a significant shift in style.
Mitchell brings a home-run threat every time he touches the ball, while Henry and Ali offer more of a power-and-possession approach. The question now becomes whether Baltimore can maintain its offensive rhythm without that change-of-pace element Mitchell provides.
Coming into Week 14, Mitchell had compiled 209 total yards from scrimmage and found the end zone once. While those numbers don’t jump off the stat sheet, they don’t tell the full story.
Mitchell’s impact goes beyond raw stats-his speed stretches defenses, opens up lanes for others, and keeps opponents honest. That’s a tough piece to lose, especially in a game with playoff positioning on the line.
The severity of the knee injury hasn’t been disclosed yet, and the Ravens will need time to fully evaluate the situation. But with just a few weeks left in the regular season, any extended absence could be a blow to Baltimore’s offensive versatility.
Mitchell’s journey to this point has been anything but conventional. He joined the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2023 out of East Carolina and carved out a role for himself through sheer speed, effort, and the ability to make something out of nothing. He’s not just a depth piece-he’s become a legitimate weapon in this offense.
Now, the Ravens wait. The hope, of course, is that the injury isn't serious and Mitchell can return in time to contribute down the stretch. Baltimore has its eyes set on the division crown and a deep playoff run, and having Mitchell in the mix would go a long way toward making both of those goals a reality.
Stay tuned for updates in the coming days as the team assesses the injury and determines the next steps for one of their most dynamic young talents.