The Baltimore Ravens' Week 14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers was a rough one. Although they still control their own destiny, Baltimore fell to second place in the AFC North and now sits a game back of Pittsburgh with four games to go.
The 27-22 loss saw the defense take a significant step back, while the offense dragged once again. The offense dialed in for some splash plays late to boost their comeback hopes, but the same old errors wrecked any chance left of sneaking out with a win.
It could have been a lot worse, though. Running back Keaton Mitchell appeared to be enjoying a long-awaited breakout game, toting the rock six times for 76 yards on the ground. He put an exclamation point on the performance with an explosive 55-yard rush to set up a touchdown to draw the Ravens within four. However, that was the last carry he would see, as he left the game with a knee injury.
Given Mitchell’s injury history, Baltimore fans were bracing for impact. But Head Coach John Harbaugh provided a positive update on Mitchell’s status following the game, and on Wednesday, Mitchell was practicing.
He was a limited participant, but all signs are pointing to him suiting up in Week 15 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Keaton Mitchell told me today that he’ll be ready to go on Sunday
— Cordell Woodland (@CordellWoodland) December 10, 2025
Keaton Mitchell on the play he got hurt on vs Pittsburgh “Something wrong happened. I just had to make sure I was straight. I’ll be good. Next one I have like that will be a touchdown fasho.”
— Cordell Woodland (@CordellWoodland) December 10, 2025
Keaton Mitchell avoids injury scare
In the midst of a breakout season in 2023, Mitchell suffered a season-ending knee injury in a Week 13 battle with the Jacksonville Jaguars. It was a long road back, but he looks healthy again. It took some time for the coaching staff to let him make an impact this year, but in Sunday’s loss, he had his best game of the 2025 campaign.
Despite light usage, Mitchell is making the most of his opportunities. He has gone for 229 rushing yards and one touchdown on 31 attempts, averaging an insane 7.4 yards per carry. He has also added seven receptions on nine targets for 56 yards.
Harbaugh mentioned earlier in the year that they have been trying to find the right plays and situations to unleash Mitchell, and amid a critical stretch, it seems those are finally coming. With an inconsistent rushing attack between the tackles, Mitchell’s game-changing ability in the open field can help bring some liveliness to Baltimore’s offense. He can also take the pressure off running back Derrick Henry.
In the Ravens’ last matchup against the Bengals in Week 13, Mitchell showed up despite getting just four touches. He had two carries for 19 yards and a touchdown, and also had two receptions for 12 yards. If he can continue to progress well from his knee injury, Harbaugh should have the perfect scenario to unleash him in Week 15.