Keaton Mitchell Remains Inactive as Ravens Prepare to Face Chiefs
Keaton Mitchell is once again absent from the lineup as the Baltimore Ravens gear up to take on the Kansas City Chiefs. For the fourth consecutive week, the promising third-year running back will be inactive, raising questions about his role within a crowded backfield.
A Promising Rookie Season
Mitchell burst onto the scene in 2023, averaging an impressive 8.4 yards per carry during his rookie campaign. However, his return from injury this season has been less than stellar, as he managed only 15 carries for 30 yards in 2024. Despite a summer filled with productive practices that fueled optimism among his supporters, those expectations have yet to materialize on the field.
Ravens’ Backfield Dilemma
Currently, Mitchell finds himself as the fourth option in a Ravens backfield that seems set on utilizing only three running backs on game days: Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, and Rasheen Ali. Head coach John Harbaugh addressed this challenging situation, stating, “We just don’t have the spot right now. I guess in some ways, that’s a good problem to have, but I would much rather see him out there and see him active on gameday.”
This comment underscores the team’s dilemma: while depth can be viewed as a luxury, it leaves promising players like Mitchell on the sidelines.
Limited Role Amidst Competition
Earlier in the season, Harbaugh mentioned that Mitchell’s role has been narrowed down to “designer plays,” indicating that he is not yet trusted to contribute to the offense in a more substantial way. This limited function further complicates his prospects for getting back onto the field. With the current roster configuration and no injuries to the other running backs, it is difficult to foresee a shift in Mitchell’s status.
As the Ravens prepare to face a formidable opponent in the Chiefs, the future for Keaton Mitchell remains uncertain. Without a clear path to playing time, his potential may continue to go untapped as he navigates this challenging phase of his career.
