‘Keaton Mitchell Is About To Be a Waiver Wire Warrior’ — NFL Fans Hyped After Ravens RB’s Performance vs. Colts

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The preseason can be cruel to running backs coming off major injuries. One impressive showing means nothing. One stumble brings back all the questions. For Keaton Mitchell, Thursday night against the Indianapolis Colts wasn’t just another preseason game. It was his audition to prove that December 2023’s ACL tear hadn’t stolen the explosive speed that made him a Ravens fan favorite. With nine carries for 68 yards and a touchdown heading into the fourth quarter, Mitchell has served a timely reminder of why fans were drawn to his game from the start.

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How Has Keaton Mitchell Looked in His Return From Injury?

Mitchell sees his first significant playing time since tearing the ACL in his left knee in December 2023. The Baltimore Ravens have Derrick Henry locked in as their starter for the 2025 season, but Mitchell is vying for a significant backup role. He’s off to a hot start, and fans are noticing.

Right off the bat, it’s pointed out that “Keaton Mitchell does this directly after the post. Mitchell is about to be a waiver wire warrior.”

Some posters are sure he is, “so back!”

Meanwhile, others are loving the fact that they can openly hype him. One posted, “Ahhhh, I can once again flood my fantasy chats with Keaton Mitchell propaganda.”

Fans are noticing that Mitchell has his juice back, saying, “Keaton Mitchell moving like pre ACL again that’s wassup”

What Does Mitchell’s Health Mean for Baltimore’s Ground Game?

One poster points out how dangerous the Ravens can be with their depth, saying, “A healthy Keaton Mitchell in the same backfield as Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson… MAN.”

There’s also a prediction for a “Keaton Mitchell breakout season.”

Of course, fans are hyping his fantasy value: “Everyone who’s watched Keaton Mitchell in this preseason game or Sunday’s stadium practice will be drafting him in fantasy football this year.”

And while he may not be Marshawn Lynch, some folks say, “Keaton Mitchell is a beast.”

Mitchell was signed as an undrafted free agent out of East Carolina and showed explosive speed, lateral movement, and explosiveness through the hole during his college career. Even though he was on the smaller side at 5-foot-9 and 184 pounds in college, he racked up 463 carries, 3,027 yards, and 25 touchdowns in three seasons.

With Henry healthy and still performing like an All-Pro, there’s little chance of Mitchell taking on a significant role as the primary back. Henry is a runner who historically gets better as a game goes on, wearing down defenders with his punishing style.

However, Mitchell can be an excellent complementary back and provides value in the passing game. He has decent hands and can break explosive plays once he reaches open space. The speed that made him dangerous before his injury appears to be intact, giving Baltimore a different dimension alongside Henry’s power running.

As one poster accurately pointed out, Mitchell’s presence in the backfield gives the Ravens an embarrassment of riches for an attack that starts on the ground and can finish teams off through the air. Having both styles available keeps defenses guessing and provides options for different game situations.

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