The rich just keep getting richer. The most explosive backfield in the NFL could see another weapon out of Baltimore’s arsenal, with Keaton Mitchell coming off his season-ending injury. The 22-year-old was activated off I.R. for Thursday Night Football in their win over the Cincinnati Bengals 35-34. The 7-3 Ravens have 10 days before a huge pivotal AFC North matchup with the 6-2 Pittsburgh Steelers. Mitchell should get more run in that game, along with new wide receiver Diontae Johnson and recently traded cornerback Tre’Davious White.
Baltimore Ravens Second-Year RB Quiet in Debut
According to Ryan Mink of the Baltimore Ravens and CBS Sports, Keaton Mitchell saw two offensive snaps and seven on special teams, mostly as a returner. It makes sense to ease him since he is coming off a serious-looking torn ACL last season.
As an undrafted rookie from East Carolina, he was a difference-maker in his eight games played averaging 8.4 yards per carry, and can round out their legendary backfield even further. Keaton Mitchell likely takes future snaps away from Hill and rookie Rasheen Ali, who was inactive and has been dealing with an injury coming off I.R.
Mitchell Should Get Increased Workload Gradually
While he won’t see a drastic increase in the number of offensive snaps specifically, Keaton Mitchell should get more implemented on the field with his electric speed once he is 100%. There isn’t a rush to get him back with him behind the likes of Derrick Henry as the closer and Justice Hill as their passing downs back to help protect Lamar Jackson. Come playoff time, I wouldn’t be surprised if he made a special play or two if his burst is still like what it was in 2023.
Henry was bottled up for most of the game against the Bengals, other than rushing for another touchdown with his streak ongoing as a Raven. He finished with 16 carries for 68 yards on the ground, as Jackson only had 7 carries for 33 yards as a rusher. However, his yards came at key spots where they needed him most to move the chains. Jackson was efficient through the air and did most of his damage as the lead favorite to getting his third MVP this season. He carved up the Bengals defense like in Week 5 and went 25/33, throwing for 290 yards and 4 touchdown passes.
Final Thoughts on Keaton Mitchell, Run Game
This trio on the ground, among the rest of the weapons Baltimore has, boasts the most potent rushing attack in the NFL with Mitchell. The Ravens, after trading for the veteran wide receiver Johnson from the Carolina Panthers, are looking to add another wrinkle to offensive coordinator Todd Monken‘s diverse playcalling.
Keaton Mitchell and Johnson could pay dividends in December and into January/ February if things go Baltimore’s way in their hopes of a Super Bowl in 2024. The same can be said for the veteran cornerback White from the Los Angeles Rams, as their secondary is the worst in the NFL based on passing yards given up.
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