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Keaton Mitchell Belongs in the Ravens’ Game Plan

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Aug 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (34) celebrates scoring a touchdown with offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten (70) and offensive tackle Joseph Noteboom (68) against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
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Keaton Mitchell didn’t touch the field in Week 1. He was a healthy scratch despite having a great camp and preseason.

The Ravens need to find ways to get him involved this season. His speed and big-play ability can give the offense a bigger edge.

Rookie Year Spark

Mitchell brought instant energy as a rookie in 2023. His burst and vision turned routine runs into highlight plays. Mitchell averaged 8.4 yards per carry on 47 attempts over the course of the year. Unfortunately, a season-ending injury cut that year short just as he started to gain momentum.  Still, fans saw enough to know he could change games when healthy.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1723767766430437598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1723767766430437598%7Ctwgr%5E9558f67d86df7abf9c0cda820c254efc1e790a5e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublish.twitter.com%2F%3Furl%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FNFL%2Fstatus%2F1723767766430437598

Last season, Keaton Mitchell worked his way back from injury but never looked fully comfortable. He returned late in the season while playing his part in special teams, but saw only 15 carries. Perhaps the team wanted to protect him, or maybe he wasn’t fully healthy. Either way, his role stayed small, but the offense could have used his spark.

Ready for 2025

Training camp and preseason showed a different version of Keaton Mitchell. He only played one preseason game but, rushed for 68 yards and a touchdown. Mitchell looked explosive, confident, and ready for more opportunities.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1953597611312906338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1953597611312906338%7Ctwgr%5E2c256816ae719ef57e5c0b68e0639ea0eddda79e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublish.twitter.com%2F%3Furl%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FNFL%2Fstatus%2F1953597611312906338

Still, Baltimore left him on the sideline in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills. That decision needs to change. The Ravens could use even more speed in their rotation, and Mitchell provides exactly that.

Why Baltimore Needs Keaton Mitchell

The Ravens thrive when their backs compliment each other. Derrick Henry is a superstar who will always lead the backfield. Henry brings unmatched power and should dominate touches. Justice Hill adds steady balance as more of a pass catcher from the backfield.

Meanwhile, Keaton Michell gives the Ravens an explosive edge with his speed and elusiveness. His touches can stretch defenses and create space for Lamar Jackson and the passing game. Baltimore’s offense can be even more of a threat if Keaton Mitchell gets more touches. It’s time for John Harbaugh to bring him back into the fold.

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Written by
Stefan Macakanja

Having grown up in Maryland, Stefan Macakanja has long followed the Baltimore Ravens and the NFL, with a strong focus on the team. His interest in the Ravens developed into a deeper focus on analyzing performances, team trends, and the key moments that define each season. Stefan is a writer for The Lead and studies Communication & Media Studies with an emphasis on sports media.

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