A 2023 UDFA, Keaton Mitchell made a name for himself with explosive plays and a really impressive showing in limited action as a rookie. Unfortunately, a knee injury ended his rookie season early.
Finally nearing a return, when is Mitchell likely to get back on the field for the Baltimore Ravens?
What Is Keaton Mitchell’s Injury?
Mitchell was running really well before his awful knee injury last season. He averaged 8.43 yards per carry on 47 attempts. Had Mitchell not gotten hurt, I think there’s a chance the Ravens may not have pursued Derrick Henry. That’s how good Mitchell looked.
In addition to the seriousness of the injury, the timing was particularly problematic. Mitchell tore his ACL in Week 15 of last season. It’s a minor miracle the damage wasn’t worse. Even so, the injury occurring that late in the season guaranteed he wasn’t going to be ready for Week 1.
When Will Mitchell Return From Injury?
Mitchell opened the season on the PUP list, sidelining him for at least the first four games of the season. However, his recovery was always expected to be longer. Before the season, The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec reported that Mitchell was not expected back until the second half of the season. And here we are.
The good news is Mitchell was able to get in multiple full practices ahead of Week 9. However, the team did not activate him just yet. It will be at least one more week before Mitchell makes his 2024 debut. The Ravens have until Week 11 to activate Mitchell or his season will be over.
Ravens did not activate RB Keaton Mitchell (knee) off PUP, which means he won’t play Sunday.
Mitchell is getting close after a full week of participation in practice.
He’s 10 days into his 21-day window where he can return.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) November 2, 2024
How Has Mitchell’s Absence Impacted the Ravens?
Initially, it’s possible the plan was for Mitchell to operate as the lead back this season. After the team signed Henry, his expected role shifted to satellite back. Since Mitchell has been out, Justice Hill has operated as the passing down back and has been quite good at it.
Justice Hill cooked him😭😭😭😭#RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/HcJNJvOMpC
— 𝙕𝙖𝙘𝙝🦦® (@NewEraZach) September 30, 2024
Hill has touched the ball 49 times this season as of Week 8, and he’s averaging an impressive 6.8 yards per touch. He’s played 45.7% of the snaps. So, his involvement has been more than just in a backup role.
Henry remains the workhorse, dominating carries, especially in positive game script. He leads the NFL in rushing at 30 years old.
When Mitchell does return, he will be eased in slowly. But eventually, it would not be a surprise to see him take the RB2 job from Hill.