Ravens Insider: Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell expected to be active vs. Texans: source

[ExtremeRavens]

Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell is expected to be active Sunday for the first time this season, a source with direct knowledge confirmed to The Baltimore Sun.

The 23-year-old former undrafted free agent has been a healthy scratch in each of the first four games as Baltimore limped to a 1-3 start. But with star quarterback Lamar Jackson ruled out Sunday and backup Cooper Rush making his first start with the Ravens against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium, the team will look to get the speedster more involved on offense.

Mitchell acknowledged last week that “hell yeah” he’s been frustrated about not getting any playing time thus far. The Ravens have relied on starter Derrick Henry, third-down back Justice Hill and special teams contributor Rasheen Ali at running back to mixed results. Baltimore ranks ninth in the NFL with 133.5 rushing yards per game, but Henry has been held to 50 yards or fewer in each of the past three games after exploding for 169 yards and two touchdowns in the season opener against the Buffalo Bills. Henry has also fumbled three times.

“Whenever they call my name, that’s when it’s going to happen. I’m always ready,” Mitchell said last week.

Earlier this week, Ravens coach John Harbaugh acknowledged the possibility that Mitchell would be active Sunday, as well as third-string quarterback Tyler Huntley.

In addition to his work as a kick returner, Mitchell has flashed explosive ability at running back during his NFL career. In eight games during the 2023 season before he tore his ACL, Mitchell averaged 8.4 yards per carry and 10.3 yards per reception with two touchdowns.

The former East Carolina star was limited to just 15 carries for 30 yards in two games last season as he worked his way back from a significant knee injury, but he posted during the offseason that he hit 22.4 mph during a workout.

In the preseason, Mitchell rushed for 68 yards and a touchdown on nine carries against the Indianapolis Colts. He was sidelined with a hamstring injury but returned to practice in the week leading up to the season opener.

“He looks good,” Harbaugh said during minicamp in June. “He looks way better than he did at the end of last season just as far as movement. I have hopes for him. I expect him to be really good.”

ESPN first reported that Mitchell is expected to be active.

Baltimore Sun reporter Brian Wacker contributed to this article. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon.

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