The Ravens’ Week 14 loss to the Steelers wasn’t just a setback in the standings-it was a punch to the gut in a game that exposed some familiar flaws. Baltimore fell 27-22 in Pittsburgh, a result that not only dropped them to second place in the AFC North but also handed the Steelers the inside track with four games left in the regular season. The Ravens still control their own destiny, but the margin for error just got a whole lot thinner.
Let’s start with the obvious: the defense, which has been a strength all season, took a step back. Pittsburgh found ways to move the ball and capitalize on key moments, while the Ravens’ offense struggled to find rhythm for most of the afternoon. Yes, there were some late fireworks that made it interesting, but a handful of explosive plays can’t mask the recurring issues-stalled drives, missed opportunities, and costly mistakes that continue to haunt this team in tight games.
But amid the frustration, there was a silver lining-and his name is Keaton Mitchell.
The rookie running back looked like he was on the verge of a breakout game. He carried the ball just six times, but racked up 76 yards, including a jaw-dropping 55-yard run that set up a touchdown and gave the Ravens a pulse late in the game. That play was a reminder of what Mitchell brings to the table: elite burst, vision in the open field, and the kind of home-run speed that can flip a game in one snap.
Unfortunately, that electric run was also his last of the day. Mitchell exited with a knee injury, and given his history-he missed most of the 2023 season after a knee injury in Week 13-it was a tense moment for Ravens fans.
The good news? It looks like the scare was just that-a scare.
Head coach John Harbaugh offered encouraging updates after the game, and by Wednesday, Mitchell was back on the practice field as a limited participant. All signs are pointing toward him being available for Sunday’s pivotal matchup against the Bengals.
Mitchell himself sounded confident, telling reporters, “I’ll be ready to go on Sunday.” As for the play that forced him out, he said, “Something wrong happened.
I just had to make sure I was straight. I’ll be good.
Next one I have like that will be a touchdown fasho.”
That’s the kind of swagger you want to hear from a young back who’s finally starting to get his shot.
And make no mistake-Mitchell is making the most of his opportunities. Through limited touches this season, he’s posted 229 rushing yards and a touchdown on just 31 carries.
That’s a ridiculous 7.4 yards per attempt. He’s also chipped in with seven catches for 56 yards on nine targets.
The sample size might be small, but the impact is loud.
Harbaugh has said throughout the year that they’ve been working to find the right situations to get Mitchell involved. It looks like that patience is starting to pay off.
With the offense still searching for consistency, Mitchell’s explosiveness gives them a much-needed spark, especially with Derrick Henry handling the bulk of the between-the-tackles work. Mitchell doesn’t need 20 carries to change a game-just a crease and a little space.
In their last matchup with Cincinnati back in Week 13, Mitchell didn’t get many touches-just four in total-but he made them count. He ran twice for 19 yards and a touchdown, and caught two passes for 12 yards. It wasn’t a headline performance, but it showed how efficient he can be even in a limited role.
Now, with another shot at the Bengals on deck and the division race tightening up, the Ravens may finally be ready to let Mitchell loose. If his knee holds up and the coaching staff leans into his strengths, this could be the moment where Keaton Mitchell becomes more than just a spark-he could be a difference-maker down the stretch.