The Baltimore Ravens, in securing the first AFC playoff berth, faced another setback in their offensive lineup during Sunday night’s 23-7 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The dynamic running back, Keaton Mitchell, suffered a severe left knee injury in the fourth quarter, leaving the field on a cart. Mitchell, an undrafted rookie, collided with safety Andrew Wingard, resulting in an awkward bend of his left leg upon landing.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh expressed the grim outlook for Mitchell, stating, “It looks like he won’t be back for the rest of this season.” Mitchell becomes the third significant offensive player lost this season for Baltimore. J.K. Dobbins, the starting running back, suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in the opener, while tight end Mark Andrews is set to miss at least the remainder of the regular season due to an ankle injury sustained in Week 11.
Despite Mitchell’s impactful contribution of 73 yards on nine carries (8.1-yard average) before the injury, the Ravens now face the challenge of continuing without him. Harbaugh shared his disappointment, saying, “It’s heartbreaking. He’s just got a great attitude and demeanor about him, and he’s a guy that he wants to do well. He deserves to do well.”
Quarterback Lamar Jackson, acknowledging Mitchell’s potential touchdown-scoring run, lamented the loss, stating, “He’s lights out. He was starting to get started. So that’s tough to see.”
The Ravens, who dominated the ground game with 251 rushing yards, suffered the blow to their running attack on a night when they achieved their 12th game with over 250 rushing yards since Jackson assumed the starting quarterback role in 2018—no other NFL team has more than five such games in that span.
With Mitchell sidelined, Baltimore’s top-ranked rushing offense will turn to Gus Edwards and Justice Hill, with two-time Pro Bowl running back Melvin Gordon set to be promoted from the practice squad to fill Mitchell’s roster spot, according to Harbaugh.
Despite the setbacks, the Ravens, at 11-3, secured their playoff spot for the fifth time in the past six seasons. They maintain a one-game lead for the AFC’s No. 1 seed over the Miami Dolphins and a two-game lead in the AFC North over the Cleveland Browns.
Linebacker Roquan Smith emphasized the team’s ambitions, stating, “We’re just getting started, man. So we’re happy about it, but we’re not satisfied.”
Quarterback Lamar Jackson, with a stellar performance of 171 passing yards, one touchdown, and 97 rushing yards, further strengthened his MVP campaign. This marked his 23rd game with at least 75 rushing yards and one touchdown pass, setting a record surpassing any other quarterback in NFL history. Harbaugh voiced his belief, saying, “I believe he’s the best quarterback in the National Football League.”
