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Known lightning bolt and Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (knee) is inching closer to his return to the field. He's absolutely electric when on the field, and was arguably the most exciting player for NFL fans to watch in 2023. His combination of burst and long speed are rivaled by very few.
He ripped off long plays, flew past defenders, and juked players out of their shoes on his way to leading the league in yards per carry (minimum 45 carries) last season. It was a shame when he tore his ACL late in the season (Week 15 against the Jacksonville Jaguars) and was forced to miss the rest of the year.
So is Mitchell still hurt or has he been cleared, and will he play in Week 9?
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Is Keaton Mitchell Injured or Playing in Week 9?
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (noncommittal) refused to elaborate on the second-year pro's availability for Week 9's contest with the Denver Broncos. He's now in his second week of practice after having his 21-day practice window opened before the team's Week 8 game. This means he must be elevated to the active roster during Week 11.
The Ravens are planning for RB Keaton Mitchell, who has been sidelined since sustaining a major knee injury last December, to start his three-week practice window this week, per sources. Mitchell has been on the PUP list to start the season.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) October 23, 2024
It's encouraging that he practiced in full, though. The Ravens are 5-3 with a prolific offense and are likely in no hurry to rush their budding superstar back into action. It's probably better for fantasy managers to assume he won't be able to suit up just yet. A Week 10 or 11 return seems more likely.
Seeing that Keaton Mitchell - Full practice, hit like Crack in Harlem. #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/PpQdnj4FMc
— Purple Talon (@TalonLeader) October 31, 2024
Keaton Mitchell Fantasy Football Injury Outlook
Things will continue to run as usual with future Hall of Fame RB Derrick Henry leading the show and backup Justice Hill handling minimal carries and taking snaps during obvious passing downs. There's no reason to expect this to be shaken up. When Mitchell returns, he should handle 5-10 carries per game and minimal passing down work.
Keaton Mitchell today:
9 carries
138 yards
1 TD60 yard run. The NFL ain’t sleeping on him anymore pic.twitter.com/4L94RQTwUH
— Barstool ECU (@barstoolecu) November 5, 2023
His acceleration is astounding. There are those of us who have never seen the likes of this in their time on this planet. He will have an impact when he returns if his knee is close to 100%. It's only a matter of time.
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