After a strong and speedy summer, Keaton Mitchell's 2025 season didn't start off how he hoped. He was inactive for the Ravens' first four games.
But during the bye, Ravens coaches made the decision that they needed to get their speedster – nicknamed "Wink" – more chances.
Mitchell made the most of it in the Ravens' 30-16 win over the Chicago Bears, providing another dimension to an offense without Lamar Jackson for a third straight game.
Mitchell took four carries for 43 yards – including one for 25 yards – and had a pair of long kickoff returns, nearly breaking one.
"It felt great. Man, I almost blacked out," Mitchell said of getting more opportunities. "Thank God, I was praying, staying patient, and when I got the chance, just do what I do."
Mitchell played for the first time this season against the Houston Texans when the Ravens were riddled with injuries. Every healthy player suited up. He got three carries and took them for eight yards. Mitchell played again versus the Los Angeles Rams but had just two offensive snaps and zero carries.
"One of the many things we looked at was – we said, 'We have to tag plays for Keaton,'" Head Coach John Harbaugh said. "We just said, 'We have to do it.' You want to make sure Derrick [Henry] gets his reps, and Justice [Hill] is effective, but we just said, 'We have got to tag plays for Keaton Mitchell and make sure we get him the ball.'"
With the Ravens leading 16-6 in the third quarter, Mitchell helped them pull away. He ripped off a 25-yard run midway through the third quarter, turning the edge to help set up a field goal. In the fourth quarter, Mitchell had three straight carries for 13, 8, and 2 yards.
"It was huge for us," Henry said. "Very proud of him getting the opportunities that he had and taking advantage of them. There'll be plenty more to do that. He did a heck of a job today."
