Keaton Mitchell Out at Least 4 Games

What They're Saying

HC John Harbaugh said way back in May that he didn't expect Mitchell to return until "sometime during the season," even though the RB was "on schedule" in his recovery.

2024 Fantasy Football Impact

We'll have to watch for signals from the Ravens on just when Mitchell will return. The PUP designation for the regular season means he'll miss at least the first four games.

That makes Mitchell not worth drafting in nearly all fantasy formats. Even if he returns after that four-game span, he'll still need to prove he's back to an effective level physically before you can consider using him in a fantasy lineup.

During his busiest stretch last year, Mitchell averaged 7.8 carries and 1.3 receptions (9.1 total touches) per game. He reached double-digit touches in a game just twice before going down in Week 15.

That came in a Gus Edwards-led backfield. Derrick Henry's arrival will only make touches more difficult to find.

Other Winners & Losers

Rookie RB Rasheen Ali is at least a mild winner here.

The fifth-round pick had a quiet training camp and preseason while dealing with his own injury issues. But this designation means Mitchell won't occupy a regular-season roster spot until at least Week 5 (and maybe after that).

That helps Ali's chances of making the regular-season roster.

Mitchell's absence will also help Justice Hill soak up whatever touches -- especially receptions -- that Henry leaves available.

Harbaugh has praised Hill this summer. The vet looks like he should open the year as Baltimore's clear No. 2 RB.