He’d already been turning heads during training camp, but Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell still had a point to prove entering the team’s preseason opener, a 24-16 win over the Indianapolis Colts at M&T Bank Stadium on Thursday, August 7.
Fortunately for the Ravens, Mitchell offered an emphatic answer to anyone who doubted he had retained the speed that made him a breakout performer as a rookie in 2023. A torn ACL suffered the same year has sidelined Mitchell for a prolonged period, but the former East Carolina standout “showed he’s ready to make game-breaking plays, too. Mitchell ripped off a 22-yard touchdown run and also ran by defenders for an earlier 23-yard gallop,” per Ravens.com Editorial Director Ryan Mink.
Both Mink and NFL.com’s Grant Gordon believe Mitchell, who produced “nine carries for 68 yards (7.6 average),” is primed for a key role in a loaded backfield headlined by two-time NFL rushing champion Derrick Henry, and underpinned by tough and resourceful reserve Justice Hill.
Mitchell can play his way into more than a supporting act after also showcasing his value in an another important phase of the team. Those contributions only add to the 23-year-old’s confidence in his knee and chances of being a force this season.
Keaton Mitchell Bullish About Health, Role With Ravens
Speaking to reporters, including ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, after the game, Mitchell revealed he feels “a lot better. A lot more confident. Just being more confident in myself and trusting my knee, that it’s stronger and it can do what I need it to do.”
Those are just the words Ravens head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Todd Monken want to hear from a player who brings something different to their running game. Specifically, as Gordon put it, Mitchell “could be a stellar change of pace for King Henry.”
Pace was the key words for Mitchell’s sudden score against the Colts. He hit off right tackle at speed and then weaved his way into the end zone without ever really slowing down.
Speed and moves on this level are why Gordon expects Mitchell to “push Justice Hill for playing time.” The latter simply cannot match the same acceleration and quick-strike capability offered by Mitchell.
That’s not to say Hill won’t still have value for the Ravens. The team won’t give up on a dependable six-year pro who’s a solid blocker and useful receiver, but Hill should expect to get less carries so long as Mitchell stays healthy enough to complement Henry’s brute force.
Staying fresh will be a challenge of sorts for Mitchell, when he also has vital work to perform elsewhere.
Keaton Mitchell Already Giving Ravens Special Teams a Boost
Mitchell has been targeting more work as a kick returner all offseason, and he proved worthy of the job on Thursday by having “three kick returns for 64 yards,” per Gordon. One of those runbacks went for 25 yards to spark the scoring drive Mitchell himself later capped after adding four runs for 52 yards, according to The Baltimore Banner’s Jonas Shaffer.
Producing chunk plays as drive-starters is why the Ravens have put Mitchell back to return kicks. They are counting on his breakaway threat to reshape their identity in football’s third phase, but Mitchell isn’t the only speedster of note to watch.
A sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft who’s been tipped to solve issues returning punts, called his own shot from 87 yards out to deliver the signature highlight of this game.
The big play was one more sign the Ravens can pose genuine danger each week in the kicking game. Mitchell’s set to lead the charge as part of increased touches in two phases.
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