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Jamison Hensley, ESPN writer
BALTIMORE — The Ravens, with the NFL’s No. 1 offense, are adding an explosive playmaker for Thursday night’s game against the Bengals.
Running back Keaton Mitchell was activated from the physically unable to perform list on Thursday, the team announced. Mitchell, who participated fully in practice all week, has not played since completely tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in December 2023.
Baltimore opened a roster spot Thursday when it waived outside linebacker Yannick Ngakoue. In five games this season, Ngakoue has recorded 1.5 sacks and four quarterback hits.
The Ravens had long expected Mitchell to return in November. As an undrafted rookie last season, Mitchell provided a boost to Baltimore’s running game, averaging 8.4 yards on 47 carries. He totaled 396 rushing yards in eight games, scoring touchdown runs of 39 and 40 yards.
On Monday, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said the team would activate Mitchell “when he’s ready to play and can compete and protect himself.”
Asked if there was any chance Mitchell would play Thursday, Harbaugh said, “There’s a chance.”
In Week 15 of last season, Mitchell suffered a knee injury in the fourth quarter of the Ravens’ 23-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars when safety Andrew Wingard tripped him, causing his left leg to collapse. It would bend strangely after landing on it. . He returned to practice 10 months later on October 23, and Harbaugh described Mitchell’s progress as stellar.
Mitchell’s speed would complement the power of Derrick Henry, who leads the NFL with 1,052 rushing yards and 13 total touchdowns. The Ravens offense has been dominant through nine games this season, ranking first in total yards (445.9) and rushing yards (191.9).
Mitchell could also help as a kickoff returner for Baltimore. The Ravens rank 27th in kickoff returns this season, averaging 24.2 yards per return.
The Ravens (6-3) host the Bengals (4-5) on Thursday night, looking to complete a second straight season sweep of Cincinnati.
