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Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (knee) tore his ACL in Week 15 of last year against the Jacksonville Jaguars. It was an awful end to one of the most exciting rookie RB seasons in recent memory. He broke out of a tackle attempt, landed awkwardly on his leg while falling forward, and had his knee bend backwards.
He's been recovering ever since, and with nine weeks down in the 2024 NFL season, fantasy managers are expecting him to return to action soon. Typically, ACL tears take pro football players between 10-12 months to return from. The injury occurred on December 17, 2023, just under 11 months ago.
So will Mitchell return to action in Week 10, or will the world have to wait longer for the electric player's 2024 debut?
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Keaton Mitchell Injury Update
There's reportedly a "chance" that he plays in Week 10. However, his chances of taking the field are likely hurt by the fact that the Ravens play on Thursday Night Football this week. They'll take on the Cincinnati Bengals once again, after defeating them in a 41-38 earlier this season thriller that saw nine passing touchdowns between the two teams.
"There's a chance."
Coach Harbaugh on RB Keaton Mitchell's progress: pic.twitter.com/oxK12Kq46U
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 4, 2024
With the game only two days away, and Baltimore having the option to wait until before Week 11's game to elevate him to the active roster before his 21-day practice window closes, it seems more reasonable for the team to play it safe. Fantasy managers should prepare for Mitchell to not play this week and return when his team takes on the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Keaton Mitchell Fantasy Football Outlook
He may not be fantasy relevant for a few weeks after his return, if at all. The presence of the best running back in the NFL, Derrick Henry, who's been handling a workhorse role, and pass-catching and pass-protecting specialist Justice Hill behind him leaves little room for the second-year pro to operate.
Keaton Mitchell going from jog to sprint in such a flash and getting ahead of Zay Flowers to block for him is wild lol. pic.twitter.com/mx029HZlEl
— Wyatt 🥃 (@WyattB_FF) November 17, 2023
The key will be the health of his knee, though. He doesn't need many touches to be relevant as an RB3/FLEX player. It's difficult to truly understand his speed without seeing plays like the one above, where he makes speedster wide receiver Zay Flowers look like he's jogging. The acceleration is mind-boggling.
Keaton Mitchell broke a 40 yard TD early in the game and only had 2 more carries the rest of the game…
Make it make sense pic.twitter.com/5Nyp07M76J
— Barstool ECU (@barstoolecu) November 12, 2023
He has the chance to give defenses fits. Baltimore will have three of the league's most dynamic runners of the football in Mitchell, Henry, and quarterback Lamar Jackson, the best running quarterback in league history, at its disposal. Mitchell should be rostered in all leagues with 14 or more teams, and fantasy managers in shallower leagues should keep their eyes on him.
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