The Baltimore Ravens are getting a significant boost to their offense as they head into a critical Thursday Night Football showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals. The team has officially activated second-year running back Keaton Mitchell off the Injured Reserve (IR), clearing the way for him to make his regular season debut. After spending most of the season recovering from an ACL tear, Mitchell’s return provides a fresh dynamic to a Ravens’ rushing attack that is already among the most dangerous in the NFL.
Ravens Waive Veteran DE Yannick Ngakoue to Make Room for Mitchell
In order to make space for Mitchell, the Ravens had to make a tough but necessary decision. The team waived veteran defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, a Pro Bowl-caliber defender, to clear a roster spot for the young running back. While Ngakoue’s release is a notable move, it’s clear that Baltimore is prioritizing Mitchell’s return as they make their push for the playoffs. The Ravens have indicated that they plan to re-sign Ngakoue to the practice squad, but for now, the focus is on adding Mitchell to the mix.
A Promising Rookie Campaign Cut Short
Keaton Mitchell’s rookie season in 2023 was a bit of a rollercoaster. Despite appearing in just eight games, Mitchell quickly made a name for himself as one of the most explosive young players on the Ravens roster. He racked up 396 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 47 carries—an impressive 8.4 yards per carry average. Mitchell also added 96 receiving yards, showing his ability to contribute in both the ground game and the passing attack.
His debut season was cut short by an ACL tear, but when he was healthy, Mitchell was a game-changer. His burst and playmaking ability made him an intriguing part of Baltimore’s offense, and now that he’s back, the Ravens’ backfield just became even more dangerous.
A Loaded Running Back Room with Derrick Henry Leading the Way
The Ravens have already been running roughshod over opponents with their top-tier ground game, thanks in large part to the addition of Derrick Henry. The former Tennessee Titans star has been everything the Ravens hoped for and more, leading the NFL with 1,052 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns through the first nine games of the season. Henry’s physicality and vision have revitalized Baltimore’s rushing attack, which is averaging a league-high 164.8 yards per game.
However, the addition of Mitchell gives the Ravens a potentially lethal 1-2 punch in the backfield. While there is no chance of Mitchell replacing Henry, the duo could work in tandem, with Mitchell adding a lighter, quicker dynamic to the Ravens’ power-based rushing game. With Mitchell back in the fold, the Ravens now have a running back trio that includes Henry, quarterback Lamar Jackson, and the electric Mitchell. That’s a ground game few defenses will be able to handle.
How Keaton Mitchell Will Fit Into the Rushing Attack
While Mitchell’s return is a huge boon for the Ravens, it’s unclear exactly how quickly he will be integrated back into the offense. Head coach John Harbaugh has indicated that Mitchell will play in Thursday night’s game, though it’s likely he’ll be eased back into action as he shakes off any rust from his long recovery.
Mitchell’s role in the short term could be as a rotational back, spelling Henry on occasion and providing a change of pace with his speed and agility. He’s not expected to steal significant carries away from Henry, but the opportunity for Mitchell to work in tandem with the league’s leading rusher could provide Baltimore’s offense with a new dimension. With both Mitchell and Jackson capable of breaking off long runs, the Ravens may have one of the most versatile and unpredictable rushing attacks in the NFL.
A Critical Divisional Matchup Against the Bengals
Mitchell’s activation comes at a pivotal point in the Ravens’ season. Sitting at 6-3, the team is in the thick of the AFC North race and is just a game behind the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers. A win against the Bengals on Thursday Night Football would vault the Ravens into first place in the division, and if Pittsburgh loses to Cleveland on Sunday, Baltimore could end up in sole possession of the top spot.
With the Ravens offense firing on all cylinders, the addition of Mitchell could be the final piece that pushes them over the top. Jackson and Henry have been playing at an MVP level, and adding Mitchell into the mix gives Baltimore yet another weapon to rely on. Whether Mitchell is used to spell Henry or given opportunities to break off chunk yardage himself, he provides the Ravens with more depth and versatility on offense.
Looking Ahead: Potential for One of the Best Running Back Duos in the NFL
If Mitchell can return to the form he showed in his rookie season before his ACL injury, the Ravens could soon have one of the most potent running back duos in the NFL. Paired with Henry, Mitchell gives Baltimore a perfect complement to their bruising ground game. If defenses can’t stop Henry, they’ll be forced to deal with Mitchell’s explosiveness on the edge. And if they focus too much on containing Mitchell’s speed, they’ll find themselves tackling Henry’s physicality all night.
As the Ravens gear up for the stretch run, Mitchell’s return adds an exciting wrinkle to an already potent offense. Whether it’s as a change-of-pace back or as part of a multi-back rotation, Mitchell’s fresh legs could give the Ravens the spark they need to make a deep playoff run. And with Thursday’s game against the Bengals carrying heavy divisional implications, the timing couldn’t be better for the young back to make his impact.
