The Baltimore Ravens will need all the help they can get in Week 5 against the Houston Texans. They were already dealing with a lengthy list of injuries heading into the weekend, but numerous starters were officially declared out on Friday, and various others could only see limited action. The defense especially got hit hard, which means the offense will need to come out firing if the Ravens want a shot at keeping their season alive.
Game status vs. Texans pic.twitter.com/br78jtqZtE
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 3, 2025
The defense has been the worst in the NFL through four weeks, and without Roquan Smith and Marlon Humphrey suiting up on Sunday, it will not get any better. Even a struggling Texans team is capable of going off against such a unit, and the Ravens must unleash electrifying running back Keaton Mitchell to keep pace.
Mitchell has been a healthy scratch in all four games this year, but with so many injuries hitting Baltimore’s roster, he might finally have a spot on the gameday roster. He has failed to earn a shot due to his ability on special teams, but that could finally change on Sunday.
Head Coach John Harbaugh mentioned there was a possibility of Mitchell playing, so the outlook is more promising than in recent weeks.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh mentioned that RB Keaton Mitchell "has a chance" to be active in Week 5 against the Texans. #NFLNews 🏈
— MiloX Sports NFL (@MiloXSportsNFL) October 1, 2025
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler also expects Mitchell to be active on Sunday.
Current kick returner Rasheen Ali is also coming off a disastrous showing against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4. He returned just two kicks for 31 yards, and one of those he muffed and only returned it to the Baltimore 16-yard line. Meanwhile, his counterpart Justice Hill returned five for 133 yards, including an average of 26.6 yards per return and a long of 30. If Hill becomes the favorite, Mitchell could find himself suiting up.
Keaton Mitchell could be the catalyst to save Ravens’ season
Ravens fans have been clamoring to see Mitchell on the field all season long. Ever since he proved to be back to 100 percent in the preseason with a dominant showing where he took nine carries for 68 yards and a touchdown, everyone knew they could see the Mitchell of 2023 this year. However, he has yet to get a chance to prove he is back.
Week 5 is the perfect opportunity to let Mitchell shine. The Ravens’ rushing attack has staggered in the past few weeks, and the offense clearly needs an electric playmaker in the backfield. Derrick Henry is still a top ball carrier in the NFL, but his usage has become predictable and has made the offense look one-dimensional at times. With Mitchell, things could change.
The 23-year-old feels like the perfect running back to pair with Henry. It is your typical thunder and lightning duo, with a little extra firepower added from each back. Henry is nearly impossible to bring down in one-on-one situations, while Mitchell is almost impossible to catch when he hits the open field.
Mitchell may fall victim to Harbaugh's special teams favoritism again on Sunday. However, with the mounting injuries, Mitchell may be the exact piece the team needs to keep pace, as they try to salvage the season.