Keaton

Mitchell

Popper, like other observers and analysts, says Mitchell is a great fit for offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s rushing offense. Mitchell last week signed a two-year contract with LA worth $9.3 million. The explosive Mitchell, who last season ran for 341 yards at a 5.8 yards per carry clip in Baltimore, compares favorably to De’Von Achane, who was one of the NFL’s most efficient backs in McDaniel’s system in Miami. Though Omarion Hampton is likely to remain the Chargers’ lead back in 2026, Mitchell could see a handful of designed touches that might make hum flex viable in what should be a run-first Bolts offense. Mitchell would have a shot at RB1 duties in 2026 if Hampton once again struggles with injuries.

Mitchell became an unrestricted free agent after the Ravens chose not to tender him. It’s hard to imagine much of a better landing spot for the speedster. Chargers OC Mike McDaniel turned De’Von Achane into a home run machine in Miami, and Mitchell is one of the few players who can match Achane’s top-end speed. Mitchell will be parked behind Omarion Hampton in LA, but he should hold some fantasy value if he can secure the RB2 gig. Mitchell ran for 341 yards at 5.8 yards per carry last year. His career average is over six YPC. Even as strictly a backup, Mitchell will be an intriguing fantasy bet in 2026.

This does not preclude 24-year-old Mitchell from returning to Baltimore, it just means the Ravens weren’t willing to pay him the “low” RFA amount of $3.547 million. It’s actually quite possible he returns for a more team-friendly sum. Returning from a torn ACL last season, pint-sized Mitchell neared six yards per carry in the Ravens’ run-friendly offense, though he sometimes drew the ire of former head coach John Harbaugh. Wherever Mitchell ends up, he is likely to remain a gadget player who must be schemed his handles.

Mitchell was a non-factor in the finale against the Steelers, but it is worth noting he had a 41-yard kick return to set Baltimore up with solid field position on their final drive. The 23-year-old had some decent moments in 2026, but as long as he’s behind Derrick Henry, he’ll be hard to start as more than a matchup-dependent RB3 play.

Henry now has more 200 yard rushing games (7) than any player in NFL history. He wasn’t targeted in the passing game, because why would you need to? Three of his touchdowns came in the first half, and he routinely ran over completely overmatched Green Bay defenders in yet another impressive effort for the 31-year-old. Keaton Mitchell was somehow able to get nine carries for 31 yards as his (beyond) clear backup on a day where Baltimore rushed for 307 total yards in Lambeau Field. Even if Lamar Jackson (back) returns for Week 18 against the Steelers, Henry is going to be the focal point of the Ravens’ offense for that contest. He has to be.

Mitchell was estimated as a limited participant for Tuesday’s walkthrough. A full practice today means he is good to go for Week 17. Mitchell touched the ball a season-high nine times last week but only managed 13 yards in total. He has as much home run potential as any back on a per-carry basis, but Mitchell is a dog to see double-digit touches in a game. He is stuck in the RB4 ranks for Week 17.

Mitchell is dealing with a calf issue and got a limited designation after the Ravens’ walkthrough practice. The speedy 23-year-old is second in the Ravens’ running back rotations, but Derrick Henry will get even more carries should Mitchell miss time. However, fantasy managers can plan on Mitchell still playing in Week 17 against the Packers for now.

Mitchell continues to look like the most explosive back in the Ravens’ backfield. He handled three-straight carries on the Ravens’ third possession, picking up gains of eight, four, and 15 yards before an interception by Lamar Jackson ended things. Mitchell nearly broke free for a long score on the final drive of the game, but was knocked out of bounds to hold his gain to 22 yards. Despite his big-play ability, Mitchell’s touches remain limited. He’ll be little more than a desperation FLEX play in Week 16 against the Patriots.

He’ll be wheels-up as a potential RB3/FLEX option against a sad sack Bengals defense. Mitchell had full practices in each of the last two days of the week. It appears his Week 14 injury was just a scare at this time.

Mitchell suffered a knee injury in the Ravens’ Week 14 loss to the Steelers. He left the game early and was subsequently ruled out. An MRI after the game revealed it to be only a minor injury. All signs point to Mitchell suiting up for Week 15 versus the Bengals. The explosive backup will sit in the RB4 ranks for a potential shootout in Cincinnati.