Baltimore Ravens undrafted free agent running back Keaton Mitchell was one of the better out-of-nowhere stories of the 2023 NFL season. Originally joining the Ravens as an undrafted free agent, the East Carolina product had to battle for the right to even make the team. After making the initial 53-man roster, Baltimore quickly placed Mitchell on the injured reserve, sidelining him for the early part of the season. The running back eventually returned to the lineup in mid-October but didn’t earn a large role in the offense until Week 11.
Keaton Mitchell broke out in a big way against the Seattle Seahawks. Seeing extensive playing time in Baltimore’s 37-3 victory, the undrafted rookie recorded 138 yards and one touchdown on just nine carries. Since then, he has usurped Justice Hill to serve as the complementary piece to starting running back Gus Edwards. However, his breakout season likely reached a premature end on Sunday Night Football. The running back suffered an ugly knee injury and, according to head coach John Harbaugh, likely won’t be back for the rest of the season.
John Harbaugh: Keaton Mitchell (knee) is going to be a serious injury. Not expected to be back for the season. pic.twitter.com/Tp2xAK2Kpa
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 18, 2023
John Harbaugh Gives Unfortunate Injury Update on Keaton Mitchell
With Keaton Mitchell sidelined, Harbaugh announced that the team has promoted veteran running back Melvin Gordon to the active roster. Gordon, a former first-round pick, used to be one of the best running backs in the NFL. However, the years have taken their toll on the veteran, and he probably won’t be anything more than an emergency backup for Gus Edwards and Justice Hill. So far this season, Edwards has recorded 163 carries for 663 yards (4.1 yards per carry) and a team-high 11 rushing touchdowns. Hill, meanwhile, has recorded 71 carries for 313 yards and three touchdowns.
Mitchell’s injury is just the latest in a seemingly endless run of recent ailments to the Baltimore Ravens backfield. J.K. Dobbins began the year as the starter before quickly suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1. Last year, Dobbins and Edwards both missed extensive time due to injury. The year before that, both running backs missed the season after enduring season-ending injuries in the weeks leading up to the regular season.
Main Photo: Bob Self – USA Today Sports
