Keaton Mitchell’s return is not on the immediate horizon

Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell is currently in the midst of rehabbing a torn anterior cruciate ligament that he suffered during a game against the Jaguars on December 17th. While Mitchell still has months of rehab ahead of him, he is making progress in his recovery process, according to Ravens coach John Harbaugh. Harbaugh noted that Mitchell’s return will not be a quick one, as it is likely to take place sometime during the season rather than in training camp or the first game. Despite this, Harbaugh mentioned that Mitchell is on schedule and may even be ahead of schedule, emphasizing that he is working hard and maintaining a positive attitude throughout the process.

Mitchell signed with the Ravens as an undrafted rookie in 2023 and had a strong showing in Week 6 when he rushed for 138 yards and a touchdown on nine carries. Throughout his rookie season, Mitchell accumulated 396 rushing yards with two touchdowns and caught nine passes for 93 yards in eight games with two starts. This offseason, the Ravens signed Derrick Henry, and Mitchell, along with Justice Hill, are expected to serve as the primary backups. Additionally, the team drafted running back Rasheen Ali from Marshall University in the fifth round to bolster their running back depth.

Looking ahead, Mitchell will be starting to run on an anti-gravity treadmill next week, marking an important step in his recovery journey. Harbaugh expressed optimism about Mitchell’s progress and mentioned that they will assess his condition as he continues to make strides in his rehabilitation. While Mitchell still has a ways to go in his recovery, his dedication and positive demeanor are encouraging signs as he works towards making a full comeback.